In a significant demonstration of its commitment to maritime excellence, Seychelles joined the global community to observe World Maritime Day on September 25, unveiling new statistics that illuminate the dynamic landscape of the nation’s maritime sector. These comprehensive figures, produced by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with the Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) and the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA), highlight both the commendable advancements achieved and the critical challenges that persist in safeguarding this essential industry.
The Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) is witnessing an encouraging upward trend in female enrolment. Data from the Ministry of Education reveals that the number of female students has nearly doubled from 33 in 2019 to 65 in 2023. This increase signifies a crucial shift in a field historically dominated by men, yet it remains clear that women still represent less than 40% of total enrolments. While the statistics delineate ongoing gender disparities, the rising enrolment numbers signal a positive shift in attitudes toward maritime careers for young Seychellois women, indicating that progress is both possible and necessary.
Fishing, the cornerstone of Seychelles’ economy, has undergone dramatic changes in output and efficiency over the past decade. Notably, purse seiners achieved their highest catch of the decade in 2022, exceeding 113,000 metric tonnes. Furthermore, semi-industrial long liners recorded unprecedented catches in 2023, driven by the highest number of hooks deployed in a single year. However, the efficiency of these efforts is alarmingly declining: catch rates have plummeted from 0.66 tonnes per 1,000 hooks in 2013 to just 0.40 tonnes by 2023. These figures raise urgent concerns about sustainability. Despite rising total catches, dwindling efficiency indicates increasing pressure on fish stocks—an issue that is central to Seychelles’ blue economy ambitions and demands immediate attention.
Seychelles has achieved a remarkable milestone in shipping oversight, with the SMSA confirming that 2024 witnessed the highest number of new vessels in five years, as 56 ships were registered under the Seychelles flag. This surge includes both international and local vessels, underscoring the nation’s status as a pivotal maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. While the increase in registrations is a positive sign for the shipping sector, it concurrently imposes greater responsibilities for safety monitoring, compliance enforcement, and international accountability.
This newly released data underscores the maritime industry at a critical juncture. The rise in vessel registrations and record catches reflects Seychelles’ sustained importance in global shipping and fisheries; however, the declining catch efficiency and enduring gender gaps in education highlight pressing challenges that cannot be ignored. In marking World Maritime Day, officials emphasised the absolute necessity for policies that harmonise economic growth with sustainability, inclusion, and long-term resilience. For this small island nation, the message is unequivocal: the ocean stands as both its greatest asset and its most significant responsibility.
SOURCE: NBS
