As part of ongoing efforts to promote greater transparency and understanding within Seychelles’ fisheries sector, Members of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) National Multi-Stakeholder Group (NMSG) undertook a site visit to SEAWARD, one of Seychelles’ key private-sector service providers supporting the industrial fisheries sector.
The visit provided an opportunity for Members to gain first-hand insight into the day-to-day operations of a major private-sector actor supporting Seychelles’ fisheries industry, while fostering greater understanding of the processes, systems and people that contribute to the functioning of the sector.
For transparency to be meaningful, it must extend beyond policies, reports and publicly available information. It also requires an understanding of how the fisheries sector operates in practice, the people involved, the processes that support the industry, and the challenges faced by those working within it.
During the visit, Members were introduced to SEAWARD’s operations and gained a closer understanding of the processes involved in its activities within the fisheries sector. The engagement allowed Members to connect broader discussions on fisheries transparency with the practical realities of industry operations. The visit also highlighted the important role played by the private sector in supporting a transparent and sustainable fisheries sector in Seychelles. As industry operators are directly involved in the harvesting, processing, handling and commercial aspects of fisheries activities, their experiences and perspectives are an important part of understanding the sector as a whole.
The engagement forms part of the broader work of the FiTI NMSG to strengthen transparency and stakeholder participation in Seychelles’ fisheries sector. Bringing government, civil society and private-sector perspectives together allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the sector and supports more informed discussions around fisheries governance. The visit was also an opportunity for open exchange, with Members able to learn directly from SEAWARD’s team about their experiences, operational realities and perspectives on the fisheries industry.
Speaking on the importance of such engagements, the Chair of FiTI, Mr. Alain de Comarmond Secretary of State for Fisheries and Blue Economy, noted that “transparency is strengthened when stakeholders have the opportunity to understand not only the information available about the fisheries sector, but also the realities behind that information. Engaging directly with industry allows us to better appreciate the contribution, responsibilities and challenges of private-sector operators and to ensure that transparency remains grounded in the realities of the sector.”
The FiTI NMSG expressed its appreciation to SEAWARD and its team for their openness and willingness to facilitate the visit and share their knowledge and experience with Members.
Such engagements demonstrate the value of continued collaboration between the public and private sectors and contribute to building a fisheries sector that is better understood, more transparent and accountable, and supported by informed stakeholder participation.
The FiTI NMSG will continue to encourage opportunities for dialogue and engagement with stakeholders across Seychelles’ fisheries sector as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen fisheries transparency.
