As part of Seychelles’ continued efforts to strengthen international partnerships in fisheries management, Principal Secretary for Fisheries, Mr. Roy Clarisse, led an official mission to Spain from 20 to 24 May 2025. The visit included high-level engagements with government authorities, industry leaders, and academic institutions to reinforce collaboration in sustainable fisheries, technological innovation, and maritime education.
A key highlight of the visit was a bilateral meeting with the Spanish Secretary for Fisheries, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to shared goals under the EU–Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA). Discussions focused on enhancing traceability systems, reinforcing port cooperation, strengthening observer and monitoring frameworks, and supporting Seychelles’ role in scientific data collection. Both parties also discussed regional collaboration in the Indian Ocean, the sustainability of tuna stocks, and joint efforts to combat IUU fishing.
During engagements in the Basque Country, PS Clarisse met with officials from the Basque Government, including the Department of Fisheries and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, to explore areas of cooperation in artisanal and industrial fisheries. Dialogue covered policy support for fleet modernisation, youth inclusion in fisheries, joint R&D initiatives, and experience-sharing on inshore fishery governance. Representatives from Albacora, Opagac, and the broader Bermeo tuna sector also participated in discussions focused on the current situation of the Basque tuna fleet operating in the Indian Ocean.
As part of the visit, PS Clarisse engaged with the Bermeo Tuna World Capital (BTWC) and the Escuela Náutico-Pesquera de Bermeo (Maritime and Nautical School of Bermeo) to explore academic collaboration with the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA). Discussions focused on establishing technical exchange programmes for students and lecturers, co-developing training modules, and sharing knowledge on sustainable fisheries practices and maritime operations. Both parties recognised the mutual benefit of fostering a partnership that would contribute to building national capacity in Seychelles.
The mission also included a visit to Satlink, a leading marine technology company, where the delegation was introduced to a range of electronic monitoring and traceability tools. These innovations support real-time compliance and sustainability in industrial tuna fisheries. Satlink shared insights into their ongoing partnerships and projects, many of which are directly aligned with Seychelles’ priorities in digitalising fisheries monitoring and improving transparency across the value chain.
The Department of Fisheries extends its appreciation to all Spanish counterparts for their warm welcome, technical engagement, and commitment to long-term cooperation. Seychelles looks forward to advancing the outcomes of this mission through formal collaboration frameworks in the near future.
