Seychelles hosts major tuna conference to mark World Tuna Day |03 May 2025

Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy Jean-François Ferrari addressing the guests (Photo: Kurtrine Albert)

In celebration of World Tuna Day, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, together with the Seychelles Fisheries Authority and the Seychelles Investment Board, hosted the Seychelles Tuna Conference yesterday at the Eden Bleu Hotel.

The event brought together top industry leaders, scientists, government officials and stakeholders to talk about how to make the tuna industry more sustainable and better managed.

As one of the world’s busiest tuna transhipment hubs, Seychelles plays a leading role in the global tuna industry. The small-island nation which is reliant on fisheries to support jobs, trade, and food security, is home to the region’s largest tuna processing plant, with the resource accounting for over half of Seychelles’ exports.

Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy Jean-François Ferrari said this was the first tuna conference held in nearly 15 years. He explained that the event was a chance to bring all players in the industry together — including local fishermen, scientists, and business people — to reflect on how the sector is performing and plan for the future.

“We wanted to take stock of how we are doing and how the industry is progressing. Earlier this year we were informed that tuna stocks are replenishing. This has been encouraging because for numerous years we were hearing negative things about the industry,” Minister Ferrari said.

To continue reading, please click here to subscribe to Seychelles NATION’s e copy