Seychelles has reached a major milestone in fisheries governance. The country has achieved compliant status under the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI). However, the latest annual report says some information gaps and delays remain.
Transparency progress recognised
The 2025 report states that Seychelles has made steady progress since adopting the FiTI Standard. National authorities continue to publish fisheries information online to support public debate and oversight.
The report notes that Seychelles became the first country to reach FiTI compliant status. Authorities said they remain committed to improving access to timely and reliable fisheries information.
A Fisheries Information Management System, launched in 2023, aims to improve how fisheries data is collected and shared. Further improvements are planned.
Information gaps remain
However, the report highlights several areas where information is missing or incomplete. These include detailed data on fisheries and marine conservation projects funded through overseas aid.
Authorities have also not yet compiled full information on some government subsidies, including their value and recipients. More work is needed to improve employment and wage data in the fisheries sector.
The National Multi-Stakeholder Group said transparency must continue to improve over time. It issued 13 new recommendations to strengthen information quality, availability and disclosure.
Delays and data challenges
The report also notes delays in publishing some fisheries data. Major publications covering 2024 were released towards the end of 2025. The delay is partly due to the time required to verify information from fishing companies.
Despite this, the quality of data in the large-scale fisheries sector is improving. Electronic logbooks now cover almost all industrial longline and purse-seine fishing activities.
Further improvements planned
Authorities are preparing a Tuna Fisheries Management Plan, which is awaiting Cabinet approval. Meanwhile, efforts continue to improve transparency and data quality across the sector.
The report says access to reliable information remains essential for sustainable fisheries management and public accountability.