Seychelles’ youth enhance knowledge on sustainable fisheries |17 February 2024

Mr Nicole (with microphone), Mr Andre and Mr Cedras (photo right) talking to the students about the fisheries sector (Photo: Kurtrine Albert)

A group of students aged between 14 and 16 years coming from various state and private schools yesterday attended an education session about the importance of sustainable fisheries for Seychelles’ future.

The two-hour session for the 170 students comprised the screening of a documentary titled ‘Fishermen, the heart of a Nation’ produced by Marie and Frankie Rignace, a debate with the involvement of three local fishermen followed by a fisheries fair.

The session at the National Theatre, Mont Fleuri was organised by Com & Click in partnership with the education ministry, Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) and Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.

According to Com & Click, the documentary features a detailed overview of the history of the artisanal fisheries sector in Seychelles combined with interviews from fishermen with over 40 years of experience in artisanal fisheries, and how fisheries has become more and more unsustainable..

It also showcases the introduction of new fishing gears and technology as well as sustainable fishing practices that fishers can learn from.

One of the producers and founder of Com & Click, Marie Rignace said the message to students is that fishing is an interesting job and needs to be appreciated.

“I hope that they will be interested to learn more about it and maybe become a fisher in the future as it is the second pillar of our economy,” added Mrs Rignace. 

In an interview with Seychelles NATION, Rafael Amesbury, a student in his final year at Ecole Française des Seychelles, said he found the documentary to be very interesting.

“It was very educational and I had the chance to learn about one of the great sectors of our economy, which is fishing,” said Rafael. He added that it was a great initiative to educate the younger generation about the fisheries-related laws the government has put in place.

Rafael sees fishing as a way of living and an important job, and encourages youngsters like himself to take up the job. “It’s not going to be easy, but know that they are doing an important job and doing it with love,” he stated.

Furthermore, the students had an opportunity to engage with three local fishermen namely Keith Andre, Mervin Cedras and Rodney Nicole, where they asked various questions about the sector such as the risk they encounter, what inspired them to become fishermen and advice to the youth.

Keith Andre, a professional fisherman since the age of 21, generously gifted two students with a book each as they were the most active during the questioning session.

One of them was aspiring marine biologist Lorenza Dugasse, an S4 student from Persévérance secondary school who found the session quite enjoyable and informative.

“I’ve learned that there are both advantages and disadvantages in this job,” said Lorenza, adding that this inspired her more.

Lorenza thanked Mr Andre for the book, which she said will be put to good use as she enjoys reading. She is encouraging other young girls to show an interest in fishing.

Kileb Douglas from Anse Royale secondary shared that the session changed his perspective on fishermen and fishing as well as the whole sector in general.

“For me fishing is a good job and is very important for us,” said Kileb. 

Rodney Nicole, chairperson of the Fisherman Association of Bel Ombre and a full-time professional fisherman for the past four years, viewed the inclusion of youth in such initiatives as highly commendable.

“This was a very good documentary as they tried to cover everything,” said Mr Nicole.

The group of students also viewed an exhibition where they could also taste different types of fish species, and took part in a survey.

Anika Cathene