National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2016-2020.

This document constitutes the Seychelles National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2016-2020 (NPOA). The purpose of this document is to progress and realise change and advancement in the conservation and management of sharks in, and by, Seychelles.
The Action plan consists of a Vision statement, a Mission statement and strategic objectives.
The vision statement (the long term goal to which the NPOA seeks to contribute), seeks to obtain that the shark stocks in the Seychelles are effectively conserved and managed to enable the fulfilment of their ecological role and optimal long-term sustainable use).
The Mission statement (the goal the NPOA aspires to meet within its 2016-2020 timeline), aiming at reducing the fishery-related shark mortality and at managing critical habitats such that shark populations are in recovery and special measures are in place for endangered/heavily depleted populations.
The Mission statement is supported by 10 Strategic Objectives: 1). Ensure that shark catches from directed and non-directed fisheries are sustainable. 2). Assess threats to shark populations, determine and protect critical habitats and implement harvesting strategies consistent with the principles of biological sustainability and rational long-term economic use. 3). Identify and provide special attention, in particular to vulnerable or threatened shark stocks. 4). Improve and develop frameworks for establishing and coordinating effective consultation involving all stakeholders in research, management and educational initiatives within and between States. 5). Minimize unutilized incidental catches of sharks. 6). Contribute to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. 7). Minimize waste and discards from shark catches in accordance with article 7.2.2(g) of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. 8). Encourage full use of dead sharks. 9). Facilitate improved species-specific catch and landings data and monitoring of shark catches. 10). Facilitate the identification and reporting of species-specific biological and trade data.
Activities to realise the attainment of the Strategic Objectives are set out in 9 Work Programmes: 1. Co-management of the NPOA 2. Fishery Data Gathering and Management 3. Research 4. Managing Effort in Line with a Precautionary Approach 5. Optimising Use of Capped Shark Catch 6. Non-consumptive Sustainable Use 7. Conservation and Management Measures 8. International Obligations and Cooperation 9. Education and Awareness.
The Plan is intended to have a 5-year duration (2016- 2020) with an independent review during year four, which will provide the basis for a consultative revision of the NPOA so as to enable an adaptive management approach and the optimal attainment of its strategic objectives.