Seychelles offers world-class recreational fishing that attracts both foreign and resident anglers. It is estimated that between 20 000 and 30 000 tourists and 8 500 residents participate in recreational angling in Seychelles each year.
The recreational fishery is a significant contributor to Seychelles’ Blue Economy. A recently completed economic evaluation showed that total annual expenditures associated with the fishery were between USD 167 million and USD 196 million, and that it contributed USD 80 million to USD 94 million to annual income with a total annual economic impact of between USD 36 million and USD 48 million. In addition, the recreational fishery sector provides in the region of 1 100 and 1 200 jobs.
The fishery has a large spatial footprint, operating over the entire Mahé Plateau to beyond the drop-off and including some of the Outer Islands. Both boat-based and shore-based fishing is conducted.
Non-resident anglers made the largest contributions to Seychelles’ economy. Non-resident anglers were typically very satisfied with their fishing trip experience, and primarily enjoyed the catchability of fish, as well as the exclusivity of fishing destinations, notably the Outer Islands.
The existence of the recreational fishery provides a recreational outlet for Seychelles residents. Residents’ motivation for angling were primarily related to being close to nature, and the tranquillity and escape associated with angling. The sale of fish was of little importance in motivating fishing participation amongst resident anglers.
On average (and likely an underestimate as catches are often underreported), recreational fishers keep approximately 144 kg of fish per angler per year, comprised predominantly of demersal species. This equates to a theoretical total catch by resident recreational anglers of over 1 200 tonnes per annum (or about one third of the total artisanal catch).
The total potential loss associated with the introduction of bag limits was between USD 5.4 million and USD 21.0 million. The total potential loss associated with the introduction of size limits was between USD 1.04 million and USD 15.22 million. These impacts represent short-term losses and are likely to decrease as species recover.
Stakeholders generally agreed that a permitting/licensing scheme would contribute towards the sustainable management of the recreational fishery. The average price that non-resident anglers were willing to pay for continued access to the fishery was USD 231 amongst Outer Islands anglers, and USD 36 amongst Inner Islands anglers. The average price that resident anglers were willing to pay for continued access to the fishery was USD 61.