SUSTAINABILITY - Getting a glossy skin from sea moss GET TO KNOW - Sharing Seychelles ocean knowledge with Africa EVENTS - Around Seychelles in 18 bays THE ULTIMATE RESOURCE FOR MARINE BASED ACTIVITIES IN THE SEYCHELLES 17T H EDITION-JULY 2023 SUSTAINABLE RECREATION
2 Sealife Magazine 4670 111 | 4670 112 | 4670 113 Bois de Rose Avenue | Victoria | Mahe Email : [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] Website: www.hospitality.sc Hospitality Supplies Ltd
3 Sealife Magazine Water connects us all, and our national marine sanctuaries provide a place for sustainable recreation, where we can protect our maritime ecosystem, history, and cultures while enjoying and using resources responsibly. SEALife, a leading marinebased source magazine, presents the 17th edition, capturing the news and events of our pristine archipelago. In this edition, we highlight the remarkable voyage of 70 Seychellois women who set sail across 18 bays of Seychelles to celebrate World Oceans Day and raise funds for "Liam's Rainbow Foundation." The all-female crew, known as "Fanm Seselwa," in collaboration with the Seychelles Women and Sports Association, embarked on this journey to increase awareness of ocean diversity and showcase the extraordinary maritime abilities of Seychellois women. SEALife also features inspiring personalities in the "Get to Know" section. Meet Ella Nancy, the "Whale Lady," an environmental scientist who shares her 21-day expedition along the Mahé Plateau, searching for the magnificent Blue Whales. Marie-May Jeremie, the first Seychellois woman named President of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), also shares her knowledge of Seychelles' oceans with Africa. In the fishing segment, we discuss the FITI program, which enables the Seychelles Fishing Authority to maintain a complete and updated registry of large-scale fishing vessels licensed in Seychelles' waters. Our island news section focuses on conservation, sustainable tourism, marine biodiversity projects, and blue economy ventures. We celebrate Seychelles' commitment to preserving its natural beauty, making it an exceptional destination. Don't miss our sustainability corner, where we provide DIY tips for making sea moss gloss at home for daily moisturizing. I extend my gratitude to our loyal panel of contributors and the dedicated team at TODAY Publishers for making this edition a success. If you're interested in joining our contribution panel, please email me at [email protected]. This packed edition is designed for everyone to enjoy. So sit back, relax, and catch up on marine-based news in Seychelles while sipping a cocktail on the beach. Enjoy the read! Published by: Today Publishers Seychelles Ltd. Le Chantier, P.O Box 999, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles. Phone: +248 429 0999 e-mail: [email protected] The Team Alvina Selwano Christine Ouma Winnie Musyimi Trisha Dennis Rashid Valmont Uroy Jules Raina Nicette Archille Marimba Advertising enquiries to: [email protected] Contributors: Island Conservation Society Sophie Morel Dr Murray Duncan Jake Letori Seychelles News Agency Special thanks and acknowledgements to: Penlac Development Bank Seycheles Ocean Bird Charter Aquatic Water Sports Sacos Big Blue Divers Savy & Sons - Bavaria Isuzu Executive Motors HSL Euromedical Island Style Boat Charters SFA Marine Charter La Scala Loyalty Charter SSFC Tourism Seychelles Front Cover Photograph Romano Laurence The material contained in this magazine is copyrighted and is the property of TODAY Publishers Limited. It may not be reproduced in part or in whole in any form or by any means without prior written permission from TODAY Publishers Limited. We shall gladly authorise reproduction of any part for reviewing purposes with our prior approval. EDITOR’S DESK
4 Sealife Magazine MAGAZINE CONTENT GETTING TO KNOW EVENTS 32 72 FISHING IN SEYCHELLES 63 ISLAND NEWS ENVIRONMENT 14 29 SUSTAINABILITY 06
5 Sealife Magazine Does your business support sustainable fisheries? Scale it up with the Blue Investment Fund Does your business offer fish processing, logistics, scientific services, or help Seychelles’ fisheries access international markets? The Development Bank of Seychelles offers loans up to US$3 million at 4% interest rate to help your business grow. The loan may cover up to 90% of the project needs, and we help prepare your application and business plan. For more information, reach us at [email protected], +248 4294400 or visit any of our branches. Note the BIF-eligible value chains: Purse seine tuna fishery bycatch: whole frozen exports, value-added beneficiated products (e.g. burgers), dried products, mixed products; Tuna loins frozen: tuna purchased for loining and marketing, or tuna loining services; Tuna headed and gutted fresh product; Billfish value-added product; Longline tuna fishery bycatch. www.dbs.sc HEAD OFFICE Development Bank of Seychelles, P.O. Box 217, Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles T: +248 4294400 E: [email protected] PRASLIN OFFICE 1st Floor, Pension Fund Complex, P.O. Box 217, Grand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles T: +248 4294400 E: [email protected] Sealife_20x29.7_full_page_ad_R1.indd 1 24/04/2023 10:35 am
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7 Sealife Magazine Louis Bossy certainly has ambitions. Together with his wife, Nicole, he started his first commercial venture salting and drying fish on Praslin. The product was a hit among tourists who loved taking local delicacies as souvenirs from their tropical vacations. The Praslin operation soon processed and packaged a small selection of fresh and frozen fish products for local consumption. As time passed, Louis's entrepreneurial spirit called for a bigger challenge, and his business, quite literally, outgrew Praslin. In 2013 Louis established Ocean Basket (Pty) Ltd, a fish processing business that uses by-catch from industrial fishing vessels and turns it into export-worthy fish products. In just a few years, Ocean Basket grew from a startup into a facility that handles up to 300 tones of by-catch every month. But Louis has no intention of stopping there. Together with his partner Christopher Green, he is looking to set up an even larger facility to work with highly coveted yellowfin tuna and process fish in a minimally invasive way, preserving its quality and reducing waste in the process and all the while adding value within Seychelles. Using local financing to grow fish processing business Contributed by DBS
8 Sealife Magazine The remaining US $12 million formed the Blue Investment Fund– a loan scheme offered by the Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS) to local businesses on favorable terms. “The Blue Investment Fund is a unique product for Seychelles. First, it offers loans from just US $10,000 that would suit smaller businesses to jumbo loans of up to US $3 million for ambitious projects like the Ocean Basket’s plant expansion”, says DBS Head of Credit Rana Fernandes. “Another feature is the affordability. For example, you can take the loan for up to 15 years at just 4% per annum and cover up to 90% of your total project costs, leaving only 10% for self-financing”, she explains. Unlike many other loan schemes available in Seychelles, the Blue Investment Fund was designed specifically Ocean Basket is the perfect example of a homegrown business, which, given the right support, can grow into a large enterprise that brings in revenue, provides local employment, and develops the market infrastructure needed for Seychelles’ fisheries. A larger and better-equipped plant would allow Ocean Basket not only to switch to a higher-value product but also to take on fish processing for local fishers. This would involve cleaning, sanitizing, and vacuum packing their catch, and preparing it for export. Then, leveraging their established market routes, Ocean Basket can help sell these products directly to consumers in Europe, North America, and West Africa. “Practically speaking, we can be the chain link that connects Seychellois fishers to foreign markets. We can take their catch, prepare it, and then use our distribution system to sell it”, says Louis. Tapping into the potential of businesses like Ocean Basket is fundamental to development of one of the key pillars of the Seychelles economy. To support the local private sector and fisheries, the Government of Seychelles partnered with the World Bank to issue the first sovereign Blue Bond, which raised US$15 million from impact investors. US$3 million of the Blue Bond proceeds went to the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) which offers grants to pilot new ideas that advance Seychelles’ blue economy, marine conservation, and fisheries. to develop infrastructure for the fisheries sector. This includes businesses that provide services in fish processing, packaging, cold storage, and transportation. Scaling up operations in these sectors often requires large capital investments early on, and this is where the Blue Investment Fund’s large loans, favorable terms, and 90% cost coverage can play a critical role. The same is true for less capital-intensive services like laboratory testing, licensing, business development, and even fisheries-specific sales and marketing – all these types of businesses can be covered under the scheme. “Under the Blue Investment Fund, we can support all kinds of businesses that help build stronger domestic fisheries. We encourage applications from owners of small and medium
9 Sealife Magazine Mr Jean-Francois Ferrari, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, reiterated the importance of the Fund for the local market: “You cannot overestimate the importance of fisheries for Seychelles, they constitute the bulk of our exports. But we are also mindful not to encourage overfishing in our waters. That’s why the BIF loan scheme is so important – it offers capital for businesses that add value and develop our fisheries sector without putting extra pressure on the fish stocks or bringing more boats to the fishing grounds. This is the development approach that we want to pursue, to shift from relying on our finite natural resources towards building a domestic high-value market”. businesses and local entrepreneurs who want to tap into fisheries support sectors or aquaculture, which we have been covering since 2021”, says Ms. Fernandes. “The size of the loan depends entirely on your business needs; the interest rate and other conditions will stay the same no matter how much you would like to borrow”, she reaffirms. In 2022, the DBS took the Blue Investment Fund’s accessibility one step further and now accepts loan applications from businesses with majority foreign ownership. This move aims to expand the pool of applicants and encourage foreign expertise to invest locally and contribute to Seychelles’ economic development. For Louis Bossy, the Blue Investment Fund loan has become the final piece of the puzzle that helped take his business to the next level. Having secured a large loan, he immediately started the expansion of the facility and placed orders for new equipment. “I am very happy that I could secure funds to grow my business in my home country. At the end of the day, Ocean Basket is a Seychellois business, and I want it to benefit my country and the people of Seychelles”, he says. To learn more about the Blue Investment Fund, please visit DBS.sc or any of the DBS offices. You can also schedule a personal consultation with DBS officers at 429 44 00 (phone number)
10 Sealife Magazine Over decades, people of Ireland and the Caribbean islands have been proclaiming sea moss skin benefits. If you have been blissfully unaware of sea moss benefits, and importance for your skin, here’s a little introduction. Sea moss grows in water and comes in various shades of green, yellow, purple, red, brown, and black. Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus is a type of algae or seaweed and is used for youthful-looking skin, and a remedy for all skin problems. It is a powerful potion that is said to have cured many skin ailments. Being a rich source of minerals and vitamins, sea moss tackles skin problems seamlessly - soothing skin irritation, inflammation, psoriasis, eruptions, and eczema. Daily moisturising Sea moss provides the daily moisturising supplement that your skin needs as it is embedded with 55% of 'carrageenan'. Moreover, the presence of vitamin E in sea moss plays an active role in blocking damaging UV rays from penetrating and damaging your skin. It also helps to retain the natural moisture of the skin, as its topical application extract gives an additional layer of protection to your skin by keeping it hydrated and plump. In addition, it removes free radicals and stabilises your skin condition. Getting glossy skin from sea moss By Tricia Dennis
11 Sealife Magazine pounds that cure chronic skin diseases. The antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties account for the benefits of sea moss for the skin. Acnes are prominent facial problems and are often a consequence of stress, lifestyle disorder, and overactive sebaceous glands. When dead skin cells, dust, pollution, and oil clog the pores of hair follicles, bacterial components begin to thrive. You may experience slight pain and see skin eruptions. Sea moss gel can reduce your 'sebum' production naturally as it has high sulphur content. It eradicates 'Propionibacterium' causing infection primarily on the skin. As sea moss contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, regular application of sea moss mask after exfoliating shows visible clear skin. Safeguarding skin cells Make your tired skin look and feel completely renewed with this nourishing sea moss mask. Effective protection It provides effective protection from inflammation and cracking of dry skin and more. The range of sea moss benefits for skin guarantees a natural glow to your face. Seaweeds have unique comIt absorbs excess oil, makeup, dust, and pollution while also restoring lost collagen (protein) to safeguard skin cells. You can either make your sea moss face mask at home ,or purchase a ready-made gel facial pack. Making your own sea moss gloss • Soak your sea moss for 4 to 8 hours in filtered water. • Drain out excess water and make a smooth paste in the blender. Add more water while blending as per your requirement. It is desirable to have a thick consistency. • Transfer the puree to a cheese cloth or keep it in a sprouting lid for best results. • Refrigerate the gel till it becomes thick. • Sea moss gel can last up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. • If you freeze the content, it can last up to 6 weeks. • Homemade sea moss is chemical-free. It is proven to be beneficial for sensitive areas of the body, such as the face. Local sea moss at North East Point Beach Raw sea moss
12 Sealife Magazine I n Seychelles, individuals have access to clean and safe water in their own homes. However, bottled water has become more popular over the past decade due to the drought season where there is no accessible water in most districts. In addition, some people have concerns that the water in Seychelles, specifically on Mahé island, is heavily chlorinated thus why bottled water is preferred. Even hotels tend to advise tourists to drink bottled water instead of tap water because the water itself may not taste up to standard, compared to other countries. In 2018, I conducted a study on the water network line going from Le Rocher to North East Point, called the Hermitage network where fifty percent of the study focused on the water quality of tap water and bottled water and the other half centered around public perception on the differences between bottled water and tap water. Four brands were analyzed, namely Josephine, Eden Springs, Source de Pasquere and Au Cap Springs. The equipments used to measure the water quality of the samples was a pH/mV/ temperature/conductivity/ resistivity/TDS/salinity HANNA bench meters’ water quality tester, model HI5521 and HI5522. Tap Water v/s Bottled Water By Raina Nicette
13 Sealife Magazine According to the results of this study, consumers preferred bottled water for two main reasons, one they believed it is the healthier choice versus tap water and secondly because of the taste difference. There was also a group of participants that preferred tap water instead of bottled because of its accesibility and much cheaper option. After analyzing the two types of water in a laboratory, the data gathered from samples at the Hermitage water network concluded that bottled water is better in quality than tap water. Certain parameters showed great differences, such as the total dissolved solids (TDS) and the conductivity of bottled water and tap water. Therefore, this constituted as proof that are providing consumers, as well as, the quality of water that the Public Utilities Corporation has been supplying consumers through taps over the years. The information gathered can be used by PUC in order to better supply their consumers. bottled water has a higher quality than tap water, even though the water provided to the public by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) is still up to standard for consumption. Bottled water is also in high demand during the drought season. Many houses are left without tap water to consume due to restrictions placed by PUC in the districts. And sometimes tap water is either replaced or mixed by desalinated water which has a salty taste, compared to water that comes directly from dams. The research, allowed us to know to a certain extent, why bottled water sales are on the rise in Seychelles. It also gives us an overview on what type of water these bottling companies La Gogue Dam
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15 Sealife Magazine Reef Balls and their role around the islands By A.Selwano Reef balls are well-designed, well-tested, and used throughout the world for reef development. Simply put, they stay where they are supposed to stay and do what they are supposed to do. A reef ball is an artificial reef used to restore ailing coral reefs and to create new fishing and scuba diving sites. They are the only artificial reef that can be floated and towed by any size boat! Reef balls are made of a special, outfitted with inflatable buoys and tetherballs to create a hollowed center and voids for water and marine life to pass through. Depending on water conditions, we see growth on these reefs in as little as a few weeks. Fish will migrate onto the reef balls as soon as they are placed in the sea and as these reef balls mature, they become permanent additions to the marine environment, continuing to develop and support marine life forever. marine-friendly, concrete and are designed to mimic natural reef systems. They are used around the world to mitigate beach erosion and create habitats for fish and other marine and freshwater species. They come in many sizes to best match the natural reef type which is being mimicked. How do reef balls work? The technology is relatively simple. A marine-friendly, pHbalanced microsilica concrete is poured into a fiberglass mold
16 Sealife Magazine As part of a pilot study, the Islands Development Company has installed reef balls into the sea in front of the Four Seasons Resort on Desroches, as a means to prevent further erosion on that part of the island. Based on their structural design, reef balls are supposed to last over 500 years in seawater, but with the aid of some protection from the natural reef that grows around the concrete, they are expected to last indefinitely, turning into a natural reef over time. Reef Balls on Desroches Island
17 Sealife Magazine PENLAC is a Seychellois paint manufacturing firm. The company engages in manufacturing and selling a variety of paints and coating materials which include marine paints, industrial paints, and decorative paints. It's marine products are used for various applications such as antifouling and epoxy enamel paint for ships, and two-pack acrylic paint for an outstanding finish and great weathering properties. PENLAC has been in business for close to 38 years and during that period, along with its popular water-based decorative paints, it has managed to develop a range of high-quality marine products that are appealing to the yachting enthusiasts and boat owners in Seychelles. However, because the company has not undertaken PENLAC: A Smart Choice for your Marine Paints Contributed by Penlac much PR and advertising for its wide range of products, we would not be surprised if some boat owners are still unaware of Penlac’s potential for fabricating locally manufactured products in the marine sector. SEALife has caught up with the Chairman and CEO of Penlac, Mr. Gafoor Yakub, and managed to get a glimpse of what his company is providing to marine enthusiasts and boat owners:
18 Sealife Magazine reasonable pricing. Having been in business for over three decades, it has managed to assist and advise boating and yachting enthusiasts on how to take care of their pride and joy. For any technical advice and immediate access to our range of marine paint products, you can drop in at Penlac’s factory at Le Rocher, not far from Seychelles Breweries, or call them on 4344606 weekdays (Mon-Fri) during office hours. •Anti-fouling paint (available in 3 colours). It is an essential protective underwater paint, developed to release biocides or toxins to slow down the development of “fouling” such as algae, shellfish etc, which tend to cling onto the hull of the boat. •Two-pack Acrylic paint has an outstanding finishing and good weathering properties and can be applied on metal, wood, fibreglass etc. Penlac’s Two-Pack Acrylic is alkali resistant and perfect for marine vessels due to its resistance to ultra-violet rays. It is easy to apply using paint brush, roller or spray-gun. It dries rapidly and does not retain dirt or dust particles. •Acrylic Varnish is alkaliresistant and can be used to keep your boat in good condition. The varnish is easy to apply, dries quickly and does not retain dirt. It is suited to the humid Seychelles climate and is eco-friendly and can be used on both the interior and exterior of your yacht or leisure boat. •Epoxy Enamel paint is a twopack polyamide cured epoxy which is very good for marine uses, namely the indoor cabin area, because it has excellent adhesion and it protects against corrosion and mild chemicals. Penlac’s Epoxy Enamel dries to a hard and tough coat. It is easy to apply using paint brush, roller or spray.According to Penlac management, what makes Penlac’s brand of products stand out above the rest is its quality and its
19 Sealife Magazine Having the primary goal of cleaning up everything from mountains to rivers to beaches, the Praslinbased Fresh Focus organisation is all about lifestyle. Promoting awareness and a grateful attitude through adventures that lead down the path of mind, body, and soul care. Fresh Focus was founded for a cause. According to group member Jason Gomme," vibe attracts a tribe, raising awareness on arising issues, we find ourselves on the same path with one mission and one vision -to guide, protect, defend, motivate and inspire the community, the country, and the world.” The Fresh Focus group has 9 members, and one of their main goals is to increase awareness through the art of upcycling and recycling by working closely with schools and other institutions. It began in 2021, with the world experiencing a big awakening, and after the entire COVID -19 dilemma, the group realised that their lifestyle could be a significant gift to our country and humanity. Other goals include environmental assessment for a sustainable Seychelles, educational hikes and, natural bonding activities to encourage a healthy lifestyle, and traditional practise to promote our lost culture and heritage. Fresh Focus nurturing the mind, body, & soul By Tricia Dennis
20 Sealife Magazine Everything in their journeys is interconnected; they have organised both large and little events from Praslin to Mahe, La Digue, and Curieuse island. They have also worked with schools and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as TRASS, sey.Parley, my beachproject, reef rescues, and hotels such as Constance Lemuria and Fregate Island Resort. Through thoughts, feelings, and action, they travel from the mountains to the beach to the ocean. They organised events every Sunday for a while in the beginning. With the benefit of experience and each member's occupation and responsibilities, they came to an agreement that it was far more prudent to alternate activities every two weekends on Saturdays and Sundays to stay balanced. Apart from clean ups, Fresh Focus engages in other innovative activities such as hiking up the mountains, scavenging for what the forest provides, forest parkour, planting sessions, removing invasive species, camping retreats, musical jamming sessions, breathing techniques, gratitude practices and assessing pollution and erosion in the mangroves and on the beach. Surfing, kayaking, and beach art are among their favourite sports. They discover the ocean's beauties through snorkelling sessions for coral assessment and educational fisheries. As we all know, the battle against plastic pollution is never-ending. It's insane and terrifying, and sadly, there are still many ignorant locals here that abuse nature. However, during beach clean-ups, particularly as the seasons change, the group encounters and collects a considerable number of bottles and flipflops. They have a WhatsApp group for the core members, and a group where other associated persons, volunteers, associations, hotels, authorities, and sponsors with whom they collaborate may see what's going on before posting on their Facebook and Instagram pages. selfie hike Fresh Focus
21 Sealife Magazine Cosmoledo Atoll,is a seabird paradise. It is located in the Aldabra Group within the Seychelles Outer Islands and home to an estimated 5000 to 6000 breeding pairs of masked boobies (Sula dactylatra melanops), known locally as "Fou Zenero". Of the three booby species present on Cosmoledo, they are the biggest, unfortunately making them an easy target for great frigatebirds (Fregata minor aldabrensis) aka "gran fregat". Departing or arriving from their nesting colonies, the masked boobies need to enter airspace patrolled by a fleet of frigatebirds, and this is when the pirating begins. The frigatebirds instigate a high-speed pursuit and deploy dirty tactics to plunder fishy treasures. The slower and heavier boobies struggle to out manoeuvre their lighter and agile attackers. Tails, feet, wings and bills are pulled, feathers are plucked and serious injuries can be inflicted, such as broken bones and loss of eyesight. It does not matter if you are a juvenile or an adult, the harassment is dished out regardless. To make matters even worse, the boobies often do not have one attacker, there can be many frigates hot on their tails. Pirates of the skies By Jake Letoni
22 Sealife Magazine From the ground you can hear the speed and contact from the attacks, blended together with distressed vocal cries from the boobies. Some are able to evade and ditch into the sea or make it to ground, others fight back and let out a stream of defecation, maybe as a defence tactic or from pure fright. Mostly overwhelmed and no escape, the boobies regurgitate their catch, and with phenomenal precision and speed, the frigatebirds collect the once again flying fish mid-air. When multiple fish are ejected, it provides the trailing frigates an opportunity to swoop down and steal a meal too. Food by theft is known as kleptoparasitism and although frigatebirds are masters of this foraging technique, they are not always successful, and thus is one of many strategies used within the complex feeding ecology of these unique seabirds.
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24 Sealife Magazine The Island Conservation Society (ICS) is an NGO which has the mandate to conserve, and, monitor the dynamic and vulnerable island ecosystems of six of the Seychelles Inner and Outer Island group. These are namely, Alphonse, Aride, Cosmoledo, Desroches, Farquhar and Silhouette. Each Conservation centre has a small team of dedicated and experienced conservationists that work with the Island Conservation Society's head office, Island Development Company (IDC) and tourism establishments to achieve their collective conservation goals. The Alphonse Island group is comprised of three sand cays, each dominated by unique habitats that are ideal for nesting and roosting seabirds. The resourcerich lagoons surrounding each island and the abundant life in the deep oceans provide an abundance of food for seabirds. ICS has been monitoring the population numbers and breeding success of all nesting seabird species in the Alphonse Group, including redfooted boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters and black-naped terns since they began working on Alphonse in 2007. Until 2019, the red-footed boobies roosted in large numbers of up to 20,000 individuals on St. Francois Island throughout the year but had never nested in the Alphonse Group. Importance of seabirds nesting within Alphonse Group Contributed by Island Conservation Society
25 Sealife Magazine only 20-25 in the last few years. As the sand builds up on the new, and eastward side of the island, it presents opportunities for other species that thrive on long beach crests such as sea turtles. As the pioneer vegetation continues to establish, however, the amount of nesting habitat for the wedge-tailed shearwaters will hopefully start to increase. St. Francois is also an important nesting area for the blacknaped tern, making up five percent of the national breeding population. black-naped terns lay their camouflaged eggs directly onto the sand which makes them particularly vulnerable to predation and disturbance. St. Francois has ideal nesting habitat for this species For several years, conservationists were so convinced that this was the perfect place for the red-footed boobies to nest, that they considered using artificial red-footed boobies placed on artificial nests in an attempt to encourage the large population to start nesting there. However before they got a chance to test this theory, one pair of red-footed boobies decided for themselves and laid an egg high up in a Casuarina tree in 2019. Since then, the number of nesting pairs has increased every year with sixteen currently active nests. This is great news because it means that these species are showing signs of recovery after many years of population decline. Wedge-tailed shearwaters nest in small burrows in the sand or soil, making their defenceless chicks particularly vulnerable to predators such as rats and cats. Despite the predation pressure from these alien invasive species present on Alphonse Island, this seabird nested here in small numbers for many years before being given a helping hand by the ICS conservation team. In 2017, they placed rat and cat traps around the shearwater colony to protect the chicks during the breeding season. This innovation has been incredibly successful, with the number of chicks leaving the nest at the end of the breeding season going up from only nine, before the traps were placed to over fifty in the last two years. Although the shearwater colony on Alphonse is increasing, the colony on Bijoutier is facing a different challenge. This small island has been shifting several meters in an easterly direction every year for more than twenty years, losing its ideal nesting habitat as it moves. As a result, the number of nesting pairs has gone from 80-90 to because it is free of invasive species such as rats and cats and also has very limited human activity, especially on the beaches. The ICS conservation team regularly visits St. Francois throughout the year and monitors the breeding success and behaviour of this species. Although variable, the breeding population seems to be stable. As the threats from climate change become more apparent, such as rising sea levels and increased strength of storms, sea birds are some of the species most vulnerable. By keeping track of population size and breeding success, the ICS team can stay ahead of any threats that may arise, allowing these incredible birds to not only survive but thrive. Vulnerable Black-naped tern eggs
26 Sealife Magazine Seychelles is a global leader in the establishment of marine protected areas (MPA); spatial zones in the ocean where fishing may be prohibited. At the last United Nations Biodiversity Conference participating countries agreed on an ambitious goal to turn 30% of their oceans into MPAs by 2030. Seychelles has impressively passed this “30 x 30” target already through their award winning Marine Spatial Plan Initiative. The benefits of stopping fishing in an area on its biodiversity are unquestionable. But what effect do these new MPAs have on local fisheries, that rely on these areas of the ocean to make an income and supply the population with essential protein and micro-nutrients? It may seem counterintuitive, but creating areas in the ocean where fishing is not permitted can actually boost the total amount of fish caught. To understand the mechanisms behind this is useful to think of how a network of MPAs function the same way you think about your retirement investing strategy. In an ideal scenario, you have put money away each month into an investment portfolio of stocks, bonds & cryptocurrencies and are now happily retired, living comfortably off the monthly dividends. With a bit of re-investing, you could theoretically live like this forever. For such a situation to play out, you need to have a large value of financial assets in your portfolio generating healthy and consistent dividends. Marine Protected Areas can boost fisheries catch Contributed by Dr.Murray Duncan
27 Sealife Magazine outside the reserve sustaining fish catches. Get your portfolio value large enough and you can catch these “fish dividends” perpetually. But what about inflation – or will the fish spill-over from MPAs continue to meet increasing human demand (population growth)? Yes. In an investment portfolio, the stocks you hold also grow (capital gains) yielding more dividends per month over time to meet the rising cost of living. For example, PepsiCo ($PEP) has gone from a value of $100 per share in 2018 to $191 in 2023 resulting in dividend payouts also increasing. The same concept applies to an MPA. As fish get older and bigger, they produce exponentially more eggs yielding greater spill-over effects into fished areas. As an MPA matures, the “fish dividends” increases too. So why do we need a network of MPAs in so many different places? Well, in much the same way as bad news can send shockwaves through financial markets causing the value of your portfolio to plummet, disturbances in the marine environment can decrease biomass inside MPAs reducing the This is the same process behind how MPAs can boost fisheries, they increase fish biomass within their boundaries (portfolio value) which creates spill-over effects into fished areas (monthly dividends). Inside an MPA the total biomass of fish increases substantially and eventually the area cannot support any more individuals. When this carrying capacity is reached fish need to leave the confines of protection and spill-over into areas where they may ultimately end up on a plate in your house. As fish continue to reproduce and grow within MPAs there can be a constant spill-over of individuals spill-over benefits. Think of marine heatwaves bleaching coral reefs. But these environmental disturbances can be localized, so you need to diversify the reserve design the same way you need to diversify a good investment portfolio. It would be financial malpractice to have 100% of your portfolio in Bitcoin because when the bubble bursts and the price plummets 80% your investment strategy is ruined. MPA design takes the same approach, protecting a diversity of geographic areas, habitats and species thus minimizing the impact of environmental disturbances and ensuring more consistent “fish dividend” returns. Marine Protected Areas are just one weapon in the arsenal to manage sustainable fisheries and their benefits doesn’t extend to all fish species. However, the resident reef fishes of Seychelles’ that nourish the nation are perhaps some of the better suited ones to spatial management measures like MPAs. As Seychelles continues to expand its spatial protection network one shouldn’t view this as a lost opportunity to harvest fish but rather as investing for the future with greater returns. Here’s to Seychelles growing the greatest, most diversified portfolio of marine reserves and thriving off the fisheries yield into the future. Author information Dr. Murray Duncan is a marine scientist at the University of Seychelles’ Department of Environment and Blue Economy Research Institute. Prior to coming to Seychelles, he was a scientist at Stanford University in California and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. His research focus is trying to uncover the many ways Marine Protected Areas can mitigate impacts of climate change and benefit humans.
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30 Sealife Magazine Beaches are dynamic ecosystems able to move and transform whenever there is a disturbance. One way in which a sandy beach ecosystem can adapt to rising sea levels, is to retreat landward. This way, it can move along the coast to maintain it's structure and functions as an ecosystem. However, this movement is restricted to the development that has been built up. Coastal developments are one of the main causes of a non-resilient sandy beach ecosystems. It is becoming increasingly important for councils and the government to start managing coastlines in order to protect them from increasing coastal erosion and flooding, due to rising sea levels. The reason for coastal management is obvious, to protect homes and businesses from being damaged and even destroyed by coastal erosion or flooding. A study was done on the sandy beaches from Takamaka to Anse Aux Pins to study resiliece to sea level rise. Sandy beaches represent 44.5% of the total length of the coastline that was measured. Off the total length of sandy beaches, 21.03% have armored backshores, 76.12% have developed backshores, 20.08% have undeveloped backshores and 7.02% have bedrock cliff backshores. Sandy Beaches & Coastal Erosion By Raina Nicette
31 Sealife Magazine development along coastlines instead of moving these to a location higher up on our islands. We have gotten used to having coastal developments and so If all of the percentages listed above are added together, they will be more than 100% and that is because areas with armored backshores are mostly also areas with developed backshores, and so they overlap. Developed sandy beaches were determined on whether there was any such development within 25m of the beach. From the study, it could be seen that most of the sandy beaches on Mahe from Takamaka to Anse Aux Pins have developed foredunes, which will require protection from erosion and coastal retreat. It was also seen that most of the sandy beach ecosystems, specifically 78.19% of sandy beaches on the studied coastline are either armored or are developed. This study has unfortunately proven that indeed most of the beaches of Mahe from Takamaka to Anse Aux Pins are not resilient to sea level rise and coastal erosion, as a results of excessive developments on the coastlines. It is important that the proper authorities address the issue of coastal erosion and the type of adaptation strategies they are using, including its effectiveness. Further studies should be done on this subject as this is a pressing issue for Seychelles, being a vulnerable small island developing state. We are now seeing more this seems normal to the public eye. But will these developments stand the test of time? I believe the answer lies with our future generation. Shoreline attributes representing sandy beaches of Mahe
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33 Sealife Magazine While many women in the world are still fighting for the right to an education, let alone be allowed to leave the kitchen stove, Seychellois women have long been set free to go as far as they want in life. Given that Seychelles is predominantly a matriarchal society, those who venture out often find themselves playing the multiple roles of career woman, mother and head of the household. A few select to break the mould and embracing the unlikely spheres of botanical science and marine biology, subjects we cannot talk about in Seychelles without mentioning the name Ms. Marie-May Jeremie. A woman with a passion for the ocean has now become the first Seychellois woman to be named President of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). The organisation has a mandate for scientific research, capacity building and professional development, information dissemination and linking science to governance processes. Marie-May Jeremie is a trained Conservation Biologist who has been actively involved in national biodiversity conservation and environmental management, as well as the development of environmental policies and legislation in Seychelles. Ms Marie-May Jeremie President of WIOMSA By Alvina Selwano
34 Sealife Magazine of the overall conduct of the organisation’s business and all that it entails. Ms Jeremie told Sealife that she aims to bring her expertise in ocean governance, environmental policy, international multi-lateral processes to help bring relevance to the current and future scientific research in the Western Indian Ocean region. “For many years now the mainland African countries have been the focus of WIOMSA and I feel by having a President from SIDS (Small Island Developing States), our capacity and professional development issues will be better catered for by the Association. I will help ensure inclusivity at all levels.” “Furthermore, Seychelles has a lot of experience in marine science, in marine spatial planning, and in leading global conservation efforts. I feel that we will be able to help impart these more broadly into the region, and help bring additional resources to the association through innovative financial mechanisms. Given her strong interest in biodiversity conservation, ocean governance and science-topolicy advocacy, over the past 12 years she has worked in both governmental and non-governmental organisations. She is also a seasoned negotiator on multilateral environmental agreement, and has served on many Boards in the environment, conservation, and resource management sectors. Before joining SeyCCAT, Ms Jeremie served as the Director General for Biodiversity Conservation and Management Division and has played an instrumental role as policy leader for ocean governance including the work on the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan. Ms Jeremie holds a Masters of Environment Degree from the University of Melbourne and an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Edith Cowan University. Ms Jeremie was recently appointed President in the 44th Meeting of WIOMSA, and will be responsible for the oversight “This ties in nicely with my work with SeyCCAT and is in accordance with national priorities including those linked to climate change, biodiversity conservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy in Seychelles with a regional outlook.” WIOMSA The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association was established as a regional nonprofit membership organization in 1993, and registered in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 1994 and in South Africa in 2014 as a nongovernmental organization. The Association is governed by a Board of Trustees that has representation by SIDS, Mainland Africa, and associate members. In October 2022, the 8th Board of Trustees was elected at the AGM held in South Africa at the WIOMSA symposium. The new Board held its first meeting on the 2nd February 2023 where the office bearers were elected amongst the Trustees.
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36 Sealife Magazine My name is Sophie Morel and I am 27 years old. Since a very young age I’ve always admired the beautiful environment of Seychelles. It is for this reason I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Since completing my degree in 2018 I have been working with the Department of Environment at the Biodiversity Conservation and Management Division. It is with the Department of Environment that I have been very fortunate to visit many islands and see pristine marine wildlife such as vast numbers of sea turtles, sharks, rays, dolphins and healthy mangrove forests. Working in environmental conservation has been extremely fulfilling for many reasons. As we all know, Seychelles is mostly ocean space which hosts a variety of marine life. Our ocean is one of our most vital assets and supports our main economic pillars, tourism and fisheries. But in order to continue supporting our thriving economy we need to ensure a healthy and clean marine environment. A healthy marine environment is not just healthy species but also a rich biodiversity. This means that we must protect all species in our ocean whether they are majestic whales or tiny plankton. At the Department of Environment, I have been honoured to be part of both terrestrial and marine conservation. Sophie Morel the Conservationist Contributed by Sophie Morel
37 Sealife Magazine Although our marine conservation work is mostly through policy making we are also involved in species protection. Protection of sea turtles and seabirds is of top priority at the BCM Division. All sea turtles and seabirds are protected under the Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act hence, monitoring their populations and protecting them from poaching is part of my duties. During the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting season, from September to March, we conduct patrols along turtle nesting beaches to collect data on their tracks, nest locations and also turtle data when we encounter them. Turtle encounters are always exciting, even if it has happened many times. We wait for the turtle to start laying her eggs before taking carapace measurements and checking for any flipper tags. We also remain with the turtle until she returns to sea to ensure she does not get poached. Protecting these critically endangered species has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far. Seabirds, although not endangered, are one of the most threatened species on Earth as global overfishing is wiping out their food sources. Every year we monitor the nesting sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) population as this species undergoes another major threat, overharvesting of eggs. Although sooty terns spend nearly their entire life at sea they come to land to nest. Since 2021, there has been an egg collection ban to ensure the nesting population census is done correctly. I have been fortunate to conduct this census on Bird Island, Desnoeufs, African Banks and Etoile Cay. I have been involved in other projects such as monitoring the artisanal catch of threatened shark and ray species at the Victoria market. Under this project we learned how to identify certain shark and ray species even when head and fins were removed. Data collected from projects such as this one will be vital for protection of certain species in the near future as many sharks and rays are on the brink of extinction such as the Great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran) and the Bowmouth guitarshark (Rhina ancylostoma). Although these species are not yet legally protected in Seychelles we encourage all Seychellois to learn more about these species they consume and to make sustainable food choices until we can protect them. I’ve also been fortunate to be part of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan which is a Government led initiative to manage our ocean resources sustainably. Being part of the process of designating 30% of our ocean space as Protected Areas was a great experience. Overall, I have contributed significantly to protecting ocean biodiversity. It is really true that if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. I aim to continue contributing to not only marine conservation but also terrestrial as the important saying goes, no green no blue. Red footed booby with its chick Juvenile sharks on sale at Victoria Market
38 Sealife Magazine Fighting for conservation shouldn't be a losing struggle for a group of islands such as Seychelles that are highly sought after for their immaculate beaches and distinctive biodiversity, right? Numerous people still do not understand the need to safeguard, maintain, and manage our natural resources and ecosystems, as evidenced by the ongoing call for the protection of biodiversity. The headline goes that 25 tons of trash have been gathered on the Aldabra Atoll, with 60,000 plastic flip flops among them. In 2020, 13,875 pieces of beach trash were picked up from the beaches of Cousin Island Special Reserve. Both news shocked both the authorities and the public. Because our planet's natural resources are finite and are being quickly depleted by human activities like deforestation, pollution, and overfishing, among others, conservation efforts are essential. It is interesting to note that over the past few years, advocates of this alarming disaster, known as Nature's Dangerous Decline, have spoken out more forcefully. Ashley Pothin, aged 38, who has been with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment since 2010 and has worked as a conservation officer for the past five years, reflects on the never-ending struggle to protect nature from harmful human activities. Ashley Pothin The Conservationist
39 Sealife Magazine Nurturing a love for nature The basic quality of a conservationist is undoubtedly a deep love of the environment and its inhabitants. “Yes, most people will see our work and say we are saving a little bird or only a plant, as they do not see the bigger picture of it all. Human survival depends on a healthy environment and therefore nature conservation is highly important”. Ashley, like many of us, grew up hearing constant messages from the media, environmentalists, educators, and other sources about the importance of protecting the ecosystem. There were regular nature conservation shows and interviews on television back then, not to mention the well-known wildlife groups in numerous schools. “It is interesting that while I always loved the outdoors and was active in my school's wildlife club and environmental activities, it wasn't until I left school and began working that I discovered I wanted to work in the environmental field. Generally speaking, I would have worked in the fields of agriculture, fishing, or the environment. One of three, and they are all connected to wildlife”. Even though we frequently hear shocking news about environmental destruction and climate change in the media, it can be difficult to comprehend the reality we live in. For someone who deals with these issues on a daily basis, however, the job can be extremely challenging and disheartening. We need to work to make it happen. An easy example is how littering and waste poses one of the greatest threats to ecosystems throughout the globe. Unfortunately, a lot of Seychellois think that because we do not kill animals or cut down trees, we are not having an impact on the environment. "Everyone wants to live in an idyllic environment, but most of us don't want to work hard to make it happen. However, by littering on a regular basis, they are actually doing more damage to the ecosystem. It is a constant battle to educate our population to manage and dispose waste properly, I must admit we do have a good portion of the population that is doing this well”, says Ashley. Unfortunately educating humans on the impact of their activities on the environment is not the only issue the department deals with, among the many task there is also monitoring programs for endemic species. My son of 11 years was unable to understand why such innocent animals would be in peril of extinction. Sadly, humans, farming, and the use of pesticides in the past destroyed their habitats and feeding grounds, which led to a decrease in the insects that they graze on. Sadly too, we usually become aware of invasive species only after they have already been established and begun to reproduce, making control and eradication more challenging. Numerous species have infiltrated the country unlawfully over the years, despite the fact that the Department of Environment and the Department of Biosecurity evaluate or flatly reject each request for the importation of wildlife. "The need to protect our environment is paramount to me. Nature is what we as humans depend on to survive. That is why conservation/protection of our environment is so crucial to our livelihood".
40 Sealife Magazine Specialised in Marine ecology, fisheries science and fisheries management, Dr Ameer Ebrahim is someone who cares deeply whether it be for his family, for the work that he does or for the wider marine environment. He firmly believes in following one’s passion and doing work that you love; he is very fortunate and privileged to work in a field he loves. He has worked for Government and for NGOs and found his true calling within the domain of fisheries research and management. All pathways eventually led him to finally establish himself as an independent consultant, Ameer Ebrahim Consulting, allowing him once again to undertake fieldwork and to pursue projects that he is passionate about and ones that can make a real difference to the fisheries sector. Being a marine scientist how do you balance your career with your personal life? This year has necessitated far more travel than ever before, given the nature of the work and current projects I am involved in, so I have had to spend much time away from my family. I try to bring my family with me wherever possible, but this is not always feasible or practical. We do make the most of the time we have together when I am home, and much time is spent exposing my young son to the natural environment. Working for Government & NGOs -Dr Ameer Ebrahim By Trisha Dennis
41 Sealife Magazine Are there any projects you are working on currently? I am fortunate to be working on several exciting projects at the moment, including but not limited to working with the octopus fisherery in Kenya, and missions on home soil to set our fisheries industry on the path to sustainability through FishPath. FishPath aims to empower stakeholders to implement science-based fisheries management. Former projects that I have been involved in include the development of the Roadmap to Blue Carbon Opportunities in Seychelles and exploratory work in blue carbon within the archipelago. What is plaguing Seychelles from your point of view as a marine scientist? It is evident that our actions are directly affecting the world’s oceans. The vastness of the oceans seems to lull people into a false sense of security and prompt a mistaken belief that fish stocks exist in abundance. However, the reality is that rampant over-fishing, illegal fishing, coral reef and seagrass meadow destruction, dredging, and unchecked pollution are already draining the ocean’s lifeforce, depleting fish stocks to near extinction of certain species, and it is only a matter of time before we end life as we know it through sheer greed and narrow-mindedness. We all have the potential and the capacity to effect change, and even the smallest step in the right direction can make a positive difference. How we treat our oceans reflects directly back on us. Protecting our oceans means protecting our future, and the future of generations to come. Everyone has the responsibility to keep our oceans healthy. It is our duty to protect our finite resources. This includes making a conscientious choice to abstain from littering and to encourage others to do the same and collect plastics or marine debris from the beach whenever the opportunity arises. It also includes trying to lessen one’s carbon footprint. What are some of your achievements? I was awarded my PhD in July 2020 from the University of Queensland, Australia, having completed my research in Seychelles waters. I have led some ground-breaking scientific research on home soil, most recently exploring Blue Carbon opportunities with a team of experts from Deakin University. Experiencing the beauty of Farquhar Atoll Receiving President Ramkalawan on Moyenne island with a few members of the Moyenne Island Board of Trustees
42 Sealife Magazine I am a published scientific author and have been classified as an Ocean Expert internationally on oceanexpert.org. I have been recently nominated as a FishPath member, adding my expertise to the international network of fisheries scientists and practitioners implementing FishPath and guiding fisheries internationally towards sustainability. I am also a current Executive Board Member of The Moyenne Island Board of Trustees. What do you like about being a marine scientist, ocean expert and fisheries specialist? With Seychelles, a Small Island State, being wholly dependent upon its fisheries and tourism industries, a healthy ocean is integral to sustaining the nation’s economy. To damage the ocean is to threaten our livelihoods, and our way of life, and damage our very own well-being. My work has permitted me to visit the most remote islands in our archipelago, including Aldabra Atoll, a privilege afforded to very few. Contributing to the growing body of research work conducted in our waters is very rewarding, and I hope that it can be used to influence policy decisions and laws that impact the fisheries sector. I am constantly learning and growing, and I remain grateful for all that has led me to this point in life, and in my career. Any challenges faced by the industry and what do you propose to overcome them? The viability of our fisheries and tourism industries remains, ultimately, in the hands of our elected leaders. Solutions to any challenges being faced by any Government need to be guided by science. A collaborative approach should be employed in order to effect any lasting change, which engages local communities, different Ministries, the private sector, relevant non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders. Long-term sustainability cannot be achieved through decisions that are being made on the basis of politics alone; science must guide policy decisions and should guide relevant legislation. Seychelles is heavily dependent on its fishing industry to sustain its economy. Currently, the industry is primarily driven by industrial purse seine fleets. This leaves Seychelles in an extremely vulnerable position, especially with other regional developments in the Indian Ocean that pose attractive opportunities for these industrial vessels to switch to other ports that may be more economically viable. In the near future, Seychelles will have to compete for business within the Indian Ocean, threatening the industry as a whole. Seychelles needs to diversify its fisheries by empowering Seychellois to take over the industry. Seychelles has one of the healthiest fishing grounds in the world. We have been recognised by many as having the best sportfishing and fly-fishing grounds, however, these sectors are currently overlooked. These fisheries are not only more sustainable but are also highly profitable . What is a day for a marine scientist like? No two days are the same, which is part of the appeal of the profession. On one day I can be doing desk work, on another, I can be undertaking gruelling fieldwork in the most remote of locations, or travelling to other countries to engage with their fisheries sector. The work is always rewarding, stimulating and challenging, and I love what I do. Any words of wisdom for the youth who would like to pursue being a marine scientist? I believe the youth today are more environmentally aware than generations that have come before them. This is the world they are going to grow up in, and spend the rest of their lives in. I would advise anyone with the requisite passion for the marine environment to pursue a career in marine science. There is much research to be done in our waters, and you can play a key role in helping us create more sustainable fisheries, as well as manage the impact of climate change, marine plastic pollution and other human activities on species and ecosystems. On a recent mission to Kenya
43 Sacos Group Ltd P O Box 636 Victoria Mahé Seychelles T +248 429 5000 Sealife Magazine www.sacos.sc A safe voyage at sea should begin with a Sacos Marine Insurance, get yours today! Sacos, Here for you! Sacos Marine Insurance Let us help ensure your safe return home on your voyage with our extensive experience in marine insurance. Our coverage includes: > Marine hull Covers physical damage to a ship's hull and machinery caused by perils of the sea > Marine cargo Designed to protect your goods in the event of loss and damage whilst in transit
44 Sealife Magazine Zara Albert studied international business overseas but when she moved back to Seychelles after birthing her daughter she wanted to bring her creations and skills back home to the island. The beauty of Seychelles took Zara’s inspiration towards the underwater world, which feeds her with curiosity and mystery. She is obsessed with rough textures that give her pieces an exquisite yet organic touch. She founded a small production pottery studio called Seyramics and set about her wheel with a determination to produce exquisite modern pieces. Her hand-crafted art pieces and jewellery collections are locally inspired by the most superb blends of the seascape giving one and one’s home that tropical ocean spark. Ran solely by ceramicist Zara, Seyramics is located in the district of Machabee in north Mahe. Zara started pottery about five years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she started taking pottery courses as a therapeutic relief. It eventually grew from being a passion to having her own little personal side business. Hand-crafted Ocean 'Seyramics' By Tricia Dennis
45 Sealife Magazine ZARA ALBERT “I like combining my sculptures with recreated pieces such as shells and corals which we should not collect on the beach and pieces inspired by local leaves and flowers,” she says. Some of her fine artwork collections are displayed in the art gallery, Val des Pres at Au Cap. Pottery has many steps and Zara shared that the most important is making sure there are no bubbles in the clay before starting on a piece, for if there are, the piece might explode or crack later. There are different and numerous methods of making a piece. One can either “throw” it on the potter’s wheel, or follow some hand building or slab work.
46 Sealife Magazine At the moment, Mr. Terence Vel is employed with the University of Seychelles. He studied science & technology in school, and now works as a field lecturer and scientific lab technician in addition to leading the University's Centre for Environment and Education, and the wildlife club. His hard work simply doesn't stop there; he also takes part in other projects, such as Save Our Seas and marine outreach. Through the work of this organisation, he is able to advance marine science education by taking conservation measures. They perform school visits since he works with schools, particularly eco-schools and wildlife clubs, where they utilise the centre to further their knowledge. He hopes that through using this centre, kids may be motivated and inspired to join the University of Seychelles. Children who participate in the marine environment education initiative go on beach outings, go snorkelling, and learn about topics like coral reefs and even ecology studies, amonst other items that relate to their curriculum. Mr Vel also spoke about the conservation of sharks on Desroches Island, where students may explore, thanks to a contest. The winners visit the island for a week and participate in various activities link to the marine life. Helping the younger generation By Rashid Valmont
47 Sealife Magazine He also talked about eco-system-based adaptation, which involves coming up with ways to mitigate against climate change while also finding ways to adapt to it. As the Mount Plaisir Watershed Committee's Chairperson, he can help the locals share management responsibilities and look for ways to rehabilitate the wetlands area that have been impacted. He further reaffirmed that the damages are not only caused by climate change impacts, but mostly from human actions. He explained the concept of "ridge to reef," adding that if people misuse their lands, particularly when they live in the hills, they also contribute to the impact of the coral reef system. He also said, "if for instance, everyone who lives uphill learn how to manage their land and knows what to do when developing it, they would not affect what is below in the sea. Watershed Committee is assisting and educating individuals in comprehending the entire process, from ridge to reef in order to mitigate these issues in addition to waste management . He also spoke about how mangroves work as a filter to trap soil particles and other small detritus, as a sponge to absorb excess water, making the water cleaner which helps combat some of these impacts. He concluded that many members of the community, including small children, take part in their events and that working with childern at a very young age they can be groomed as they are the change catalysts and ambassadors who can uplift others, Including their parents and friends to make a positive change. Mr. Vel urges the young people to come together and take charge of solving these problems and calls upon the young people who are interested to come forth and join them in their cause. Children partaking in activities
48 Sealife Magazine Scuba diving allows you to move freely underwater and makes you feel part of the marine life. Another great thing about it, is that diving is the closest thing to flying and hardly having to deal with gravity, which makes you feel like you're weightless and flying into the deep blue. Meet Aishah Fanchette, a Scientific Diver, working on coral restoration. Her passion for the ocean began at a very young age, when her sailor father introduced her to the ocean through scuba diving. "Growing up, I always wanted to become a Marine Biologist, and I chose the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) to kick off my career in that field. I graduated with an Advance Certificate in Fisheries Science in 2016," she said. After I graduated from SMA, I already knew that I wanted to work in conservation, so I became a Research Assistant with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS). My main duties were assisting and educating locals and tourists as a snorkeling guide. I did coral restoration by building a coral nursery and picked up broken corals around the reef to give them another opportunity to live and grow, as our reefs have been affected by the bleaching and some tourism activities. Working to save the Corals By U-roy Jules
49 Sealife Magazine Today, I am still passionate about coral restoration, and have been employed with the Seychelles Parks and Garden Authority on Curieuse Island for the past two years. "My duties entail monitoring and maintaining the coral growth on nurseries and other relevant conservation work like turtle monitoring, mangrove survey, beach clean-up, and much more. Scuba diving is an essential part of being able to observe and study the complex dynamics found beneath the surface. Using diving for science gives a better perspective and knowledge of the ocean, which ultimately helps us to better protect and conserve our blue planet. The more I got the chance to experience more in the conservation field, my interest grew stronger," she added. Hundreds of people depend on coral reefs for their livelihood, and it offers a variety of economic benefits, in Seychelles like everywhere else in the world. It is very challenging working away from home and being a woman in this industry, but I would not change it for the world. I am living my dream job and I am grateful for such an amazing opportunity. Living on the island has developed me in so many ways, and I have even learned how to navigate a boat. Scuba diving is not only fun and exciting but it also broadens the mind. I have so much passion for my job because I want to live to see a full healthy coral ecosystem one day. I would also like to see more young women like myself get involved in the conservation field, and together move to another level. I want to tell them not to be afraid to pursue what their heart desires, and do not run away from the challenges that comes with it.
50 Sealife Magazine What is free diving? Freediving is a sport whereby a person holds their breath in the deep sea underwater. Some people free dive for recreational reasons, meaning a person just goes under the water, checks out the reef, and gets closer to marine life. Other people free dive for more extreme reasons, to see how far they can push their body and their mind to either, go deep underwater, or see how much they can hold their breath. What are the dynamics of the sport? In free diving, there are about eight disciplines. Namely: Constant Weight, Constant Weight without Fins, Free Immersion, Dynamic with Fins, Dynamic Without Fins, Static Apnea, Variable Weight, and No Limit. The most common of them is the constant weight. This is where a person kicks themselves down and kicks back up. It is also the most widely practiced depth discipline of freediving. The diver descends and ascends vertically along a dive rope using the propulsion of a mono fin or bi-fins and/or arm strokes. How did you get into it? I’ve always been a water baby. During Covid, someone saw me while free diving and encouraged me to do a freediving course. Once I found out that it was an actual sport, I went to Egypt where I did all my courses and became a freediving instructor. Sophie Perolari, freediving instructor By Winnie Maluli