The Seychelles Meteorological Authority will install a new weather and ocean monitoring buoy from 23 to 30 April 2026. It will strengthen how it tracks marine and atmospheric conditions.
The authority said the People’s Republic of China donated the buoy. It will support national research in oceanography and meteorology.
The deployment follows technical discussions with the Second Institute of Oceanography. A technical team from the institute will be on site. It will work with staff from the Seychelles Meteorological Authority during installation.
“This will be the first deployment of this buoyant system in Seychelles,” the authority said.
However, the chief executive officer of the Seychelles Meteorological Authority Vincent Amelie said the authority already operates another buoy in local waters.
“This is not the first buoy that the Seychelles Meteorological Authority is deploying, we already have one located about 45 kilometers from Mahé (between Mahé and Fregate) operating for more than 10 years and donation of Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS),” the chief executive said.
The existing buoy monitors ocean currents, waves and tsunamis, and both buoys have different roles and measurements but complement each other.
The Seychelles Port Authority is assisting with the deployment.
Project details show that teams will place the buoy in the north-western coastal waters of Mahé, between Mahé and Silhouette islands, at latitude 4.576° South and longitude 55.3358° East.
The site was selected to support oceanographic and meteorological observations. The system will include ocean and atmospheric sensors and will transmit data through cellular and satellite systems. It will remain anchored using a fixed mooring system for long-term monitoring.
Authorities said the buoy will support national monitoring systems.
“The buoy will contribute significantly to national oceanography monitoring, climate research, and early warning applications,” the authority said.
The structure will measure about three metres in diameter and three metres in height. It will be secured using a one-ton concrete weight and a one-ton anchor. A metal chain weighing about 500 kilograms will form part of the mooring system.
Authorities have issued safety guidance for sea users during the installation period. Mariners must navigate with caution near the site. Divers must keep a safe distance. The public must not interfere with the buoy or its sub-surface systems once installed.
“These tools are vital for providing accurate weather updates and ensuring the safety of everyone at sea,” the authority said.
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority said the project forms part of efforts to improve marine observation and data collection in Seychelles.