Newly opened earlier this year, the Seychelles Containerised Echinoderm Hatchery is now set to become an “Aquaculture Centre of Excellence," part of an ambitious plan to boost commercial aquaculture in the country.
Aubrey Lesperance, head of aquaculture for the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), told the Seychelles News Agency that the hatchery - which can produce up to 288,000 juvenile sea cucumbers and sea urchins per cycle - marks a “pivotal step” towards the goal of commercialising the country’s aquaculture operations and becoming a global industry leader.
“This initiative not only enhances the country’s aquaculture infrastructure but also paves the way for significant economic opportunities, reinforcing the importance of public and private sector investment in realising the full potential of the aquaculture sector,” said Lesperance.
Following the establishment and development of the hatchery, next steps in the country’s strategic plan include the implementation of a Broodstock, Acclimation, and Quarantine Facility, which would ensure high quality, safe seed for further expansion of echinoderm research and aquaculture.
Looking to the future, the Seychelles Fishing Authority is already thinking about the aquaculture leaders of tomorrow, and plans to collaborate with the Seychelles Marine Academy with the hope of inspiring students to pursue careers within the sector.
