Suspected illegal fishing in Seychelles waters |02 December 2023

Third vessel intercepted within a month

The Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) has intercepted a third fishing vessel suspected of conducting illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Seychelles waters within a month.

The latest vessel to be apprehended is of Sri Lankan nationality with seven crew. It was intercepted and brought to port on November 22, 2023. The case will be investigated and possibly prosecuted.

They are currently being charged with illegally fishing in Seychelles waters and using unauthorised fishing nets.

The first suspected IUU vessel of Sri Lankan nationality with six crew onboard was apprehended and brought to port on October 20, 2023. The case will be investigated and possibly prosecuted. They are currently being charged with illegally fishing in Seychelles waters and using an unauthorised fishing net.

The second suspected IUU vessel is of Comoros nationality with four crew members. It was intercepted in the Aldabra lagoon for possible IUU fishing on November 16, 2023. However, since there was no catch onboard, the vessel was seized, and the crew repatriated to their country.

The SCG continues to work in close collaboration with the other concerned national agencies through an interagency framework to ensure proper liaison and coordination when such cases arise. This joint effort is proving to be effective in finding a solution to the persistent acts of IUU fishing in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million square kilometres.

The agencies taking part in the National Interagency Framework are the National Information Coordination Centre (NISCC), Seychelles Air Force, Seychelles Fishing Authority, Seychelles Police Force, Seychelles Ports Authority, Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, Environment Department, National Biosecurity Agency, Ministry of Health, Immigration, Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Text & photos contributed