The sooty tern egg collection Seychelles 2026 will proceed after Cabinet approved the cropping of the eggs this year. However, authorities will hold further technical discussions to set quotas and determine the most suitable islands for collection.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay confirmed the decision while speaking to the media. He said the government recognises environmental concerns but must also consider the wider population.
“We understand the urgent environmental need, and we are willing to respect this,” Mr Pillay said.
However, he said Cabinet believes decisions must consider the interests of all citizens.
“The cabinet of ministers feels that as per the president’s everyday message, we need to look at everyone. We cannot look only at one group over another. We need to look at everyone as a collective as we all form part of Seychelles,” he said.
He added that the government wants national resources to benefit the population as a whole.
“Any benefits of the country should be a benefit for all of us.”
Mr Pillay said authorities are examining several islands where egg collection could take place rather than focusing on a single location.
“What we need to do is to look at possibilities not only on permission for the collection of eggs on one particular island, but other islands where collection of eggs can take place,” he said.
He stressed that the government wants to base its decision on clear information. However, he acknowledged that the Ministry of Environment has not yet collected all the necessary data.
“The importance that the president is placing on is that we need to take a decision based on information that is clear,” Mr Pillay said.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay said the Ministry of Environment has collected some data, but other information remains outstanding. As a result, the Cabinet of Ministers has engaged in the process to obtain the remaining information so it can rely on an initial base of data for its decisions.
Mr Pillay said the government expects the eggs to become available later this year.
“But we guarantee that there will be birds egg for us to consume this year, 2026,” he said.
He explained that sooty terns usually begin laying eggs in April.
“Usually according to the calendar, birds start to lay eggs around April so based on our projection, May or June will be the approximate time where we can collect.”
Mr Pillay said Bird Island has traditionally been the easiest location for egg collection. However, the island operates under a private operator.
He also mentioned other islands under consideration.
“We also have other islands such as Cosmoledo. Desnoeufs is another island however it is quite risky to collect eggs there.”
Mr Pillay said Cabinet reviewed information on bird populations during its discussions. However, he noted that the available data are not current.
“We have looked at the population through a presentation made to the cabinet however it is not current,” he said.
Authorities will therefore rely on the information currently available to determine where cropping can take place.
“We are using the data we have to do cropping or collection on other islands, prioritising two islands where cropping will take place based on the regulation,” he said.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay said authorities will then assess how many eggs they can harvest and supply to the general population without affecting the bird population.
Mr Pillay also said the government intends to keep prices affordable for the public.
“Our intention is to not make prices exorbitant so that people cannot have access to the eggs especially regarding the crisis that we are in at the moment,” he said.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay said the eggs must be priced at a level that allows everyone to afford and access them. However, he warned that supply may not meet demand and urged the public to exercise restraint.
“But we know that everyone would want to buy more so that they get more therefore I am asking people to have some self restraint,” he said.
Vice-President Sebastien Pillay said the government will not be able to meet everyone’s demand, but it wants to ensure that many people can access the eggs rather than only a few.