Seychelles National Aquaculture Policy (2023-2027).

This Policy provides for the management and responsible aquaculture in Seychelles. It lays down the background and context for development of this Policy. The legal and administrative framework for aquaculture in Seychelles is described. The importance of aquaculture and the challenges faced are discussed. The vision, goals and objectives of the Policy are laid down. The overall goal of the Policy is to guide and comprehensively support an effectively managed and environmentally responsible aquaculture industry that contributes towards food security and the creation of wealth in the Seychelles. The objectives include development and growth of the aquaculture industry, promotion of good governance, realising market potential and maximising socio-economic contribution of the aquaculture industry. Further, developing an enabling institutional environment that facilitates investment in aquaculture and adopting suitable sustainable technologies are recognised.
Seven policy statements are provided which further contain strategies and actions to be carried out. The policy statements are: 1. Good governance in the aquaculture sector; 2. Environmentally sustainable aquaculture in the Seychelles; 3. Coordinated support for the development of the aquaculture sector; 4. Investment policy for the aquaculture sector; 5. Aquaculture products and marketing policy; 6. Building human capital throughout the value chain; and 7. Research and development in the aquaculture sector.
The strategies and actions provided under these policy statements include refining regulations and developing co-management strategies; encouraging the development and adoption of voluntary codes of conduct; promotion of ecologically sustainable practices; farming of indigenous species only and prohibition on cultivation of genetically modified organisms; departmental cooperation to align regulatory, spatial and environmental guidelines; support for small and medium scale operations for local markets; facilitating investments in large scale, export oriented aquaculture; identifying skills gap and capacity building; and mobilization of resources for the development of advanced aquaculture R&D facilities.