The European Union and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable fisheries agreement for four years, in force since 27 July 2026. Thirty purse seiner vessels, a 55,000-tonne annual quota, and a €23 million EU financial contribution — a deal that cements Seychelles as a strategic EU partner in the Indian Ocean.
A landmark deal for the blue economy
The new protocol authorises up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longline vessels to operate in Seychelles waters. The annual catch quota is set at 55,000 tonnes of tuna and migratory species. Over four years, the EU commits €23 million, with €3 million specifically earmarked for sustainable fisheries support and governance in Seychelles.
EU shipowners will pay €90 per tonne captured, alongside dedicated fees for environmental management and marine ecosystem monitoring.
Tuna: a strategic commodity for the EU
Tuna accounts for 11% of total EU fishery and aquaculture imports. With per capita consumption of 2.68 kg in 2023, it is the most consumed aquatic product in Europe. This agreement secures supply for the European canning industry — and confirms Seychelles as a priority EU partner in the Indian Ocean.
Both parties participate in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and share a common objective of sustainable stock management.
A signal for regional fisheries governance
Formal ratification by the European Parliament is still pending, but the protocol has been provisionally applicable since 27 July 2026. For Seychelles, this is an international validation of their maritime governance model — and a predictable revenue stream to fund blue economy ambitions.
Why it matters
In an Indian Ocean where pressure on marine resources is intensifying, this agreement demonstrates Seychelles's ability to negotiate from a position of strength vis-à-vis a heavyweight partner like the EU. The €3 million sustainability allocation remains modest relative to ecological stakes, but the framework could inspire other island states in the region as they negotiate their own access agreements.