AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: A Seychelles-based call for a precautionary pause hit a wall at the International Seabed Authority, where governments left the Mining Code unfinished after 15 years—leaving gaps on environmental safeguards, liability, inspections, compliance and benefit-sharing. Coral Reef Watch: A strong El Niño warning is raising the stakes for Seychelles’ coral reefs, with NOAA forecasting very strong conditions later in 2026 that could mean more heat stress and extreme weather. Ocean Pollution & Fishing Gear: A new global study links drifting fish aggregating devices to impacts across more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking and stronger responsibility for retrieval. Marine Life Underwater Noise: Shipping noise is increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles—highlighting a biodiversity and livelihoods risk. Seychelles-India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major events in India, with renewed focus on sustainable development and ocean governance. Tuna & Fisheries: EU and Seychelles renewed a tuna fisheries agreement, keeping attention on how regional fishing rules intersect with marine protection.

El Niño and coral reefs: A new NOAA forecast warns a strengthening El Niño could peak Oct–Dec 2026, bringing more heat stress and extreme weather that may hit Seychelles coral reefs. Marine life under pressure: A study estimates drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, raising risks for reefs and wildlife and calling for tighter limits and better tracking. Ocean noise problem: Underwater noise linked to rising shipping is increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. EU-Seychelles tuna deal: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol, restoring EU vessel access for four years with limits up to 55,000 tonnes a year, framed as good for jobs and the long-term health of the shared ocean. Seychelles-India ties: At Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations in New Delhi, India’s environment and external affairs minister highlighted decades of cooperation, including people-to-people links and Seychelles’ environmental leadership. Tourism with a sustainability lens: Alain St. Ange is set to keynote Clevenard Open Project 2026, focusing on what tourism leaves behind for host communities—economy, culture and the environment. Wildlife spotlight: Seychelles-born birdwatching icon Bill Oddie has died, remembered for championing birds and Seychelles rarities.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles signed a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU vessel access to Seychelles waters for four years, with up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year and licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, calling for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Ocean Noise Threat: Underwater noise linked to rising marine cargo traffic is increasingly disrupting marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Coral Recovery in the Region: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius and Seychelles—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—aims to rebuild damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre as bleaching events intensify. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with events in India highlighting shared ocean governance and sustainable development cooperation with India. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, boosting training in sustainable agroforestry and conservation. Tourism & Sustainability Talk: Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism’s real impacts on communities, cultures and environments at Clevenard Open Project 2026.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles renewed their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement in Brussels, granting EU vessels access for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually, with operations restarting after a February 2026 pause. Marine Protection: A new global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Ocean Health & Climate Adaptation: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events intensify. Western Indian Ocean Noise: Underwater ocean noise is highlighted as a growing threat to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, focusing on sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major receptions in India, spotlighting long-running cooperation and ocean governance. Seychelles Tech & Trade: Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for African wholesalers and distributors, expanding beyond payments into inventory, invoicing and collections.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles signed a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU tuna access for four years with licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners, targeting up to 55,000 tonnes per year while stressing ocean health. Coral Recovery: A coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—aims to rebuild damaged reefs and protect coastal livelihoods as bleaching events intensify. Marine Pollution Watch: A global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieval. Western Indian Ocean Wildlife: Noise pollution is flagged as a growing threat to marine life across the region, where shipping and industrial activity can disrupt sound-dependent ecosystems. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th independence anniversary with major receptions in New Delhi, highlighting long-running cooperation with India, including environmental and ocean governance links. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, training on sustainable agroforestry and conservation to boost biodiversity and local food capacity. Tourism & Environment Debate: Alain St. Ange is set to speak at Clevenard Open Project 2026 on tourism’s role in protecting cultures and environments while driving economies. Business Innovation (Seychelles): Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for African wholesalers and distributors, linking operations with payments in the same ecosystem. Passport Mobility: Seychelles topped an African passport access ranking, offering visa-free or arrival options to 114 destinations, underscoring how travel freedom varies across the continent.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU access to Seychelles waters for four years with licences for up to 30 purse seine and 8 longline vessels to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new global study in Science Advances finds drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility for retrieval. Ocean Noise Watch: Reporting from the Western Indian Ocean highlights how rising underwater noise from shipping can disrupt marine species that rely on sound for survival, with Seychelles and neighbours named among the most biodiverse waters. Coral Recovery in the Region: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—targets reef rebuilding after repeated bleaching events, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Tourism With a Sustainability Lens: Seychelles tourism leader Alain St. Ange is set to keynote at Clevenard Open Project 2026, focusing on what tourism leaves behind for host communities, including culture and the environment. Biodiversity Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School visit, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection through international collaboration.

Marine Protection Under Pressure: A new global study in Science Advances says drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, with thousands of strandings recorded across 174 protected areas (2007–2023). Researchers warn MPAs can’t stop gear released elsewhere from drifting in, harming coral reefs, entangling wildlife, and leaving communities to clear debris—pushing for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility. Seychelles–EU Tuna Deal: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU access to Seychelles waters for four years, allowing up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year. Ocean Sound Threat: Noise pollution from rising marine traffic is highlighted as a growing risk to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Coral Recovery Work: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reefs to boost coastal protection and fisheries as bleaching events intensify. Seychelles at 50 with India: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with events in New Delhi celebrating sustainable development and ocean governance ties with India.

Ocean Noise Watch: A new report warns that rising underwater noise from rerouted marine cargo traffic is disrupting whales, dolphins and other marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Fisheries Deal: The EU and Seychelles have renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, restoring EU access for up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and migratory species per year over four years. Coral Recovery: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and climate resilience after major bleaching events. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School focused on sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection. Seychelles–India Ties: At Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations in New Delhi, Indian officials highlighted decades of cooperation, including environmental and ocean governance leadership. Marine Wildlife Insight: Research on the world’s largest crocodiles shows they “surf” tides to travel long distances, a reminder of how strongly wildlife depends on healthy coastal waters.

Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: Noise pollution linked to rising marine cargo traffic is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, a biodiversity hotspot that includes Seychelles. Coral Recovery: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events intensify. Fisheries & Ocean Governance: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries agreement, granting EU vessels access for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes per year, with licences for purse seine and longline fleets. Climate-Ready Tourism: The SEA Index® has extended CO₂ certification to more recreational boats, including vessels from 10 metres, with Seychelles listed among SEA Index network locations. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses under a new regulatory framework. Local Environment Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School focused on sustainable agroforestry, conservation and biodiversity.

Marine Noise Threat: Underwater noise from rising ship traffic in the Western Indian Ocean is stressing whales, dolphins and other marine life, with Seychelles and nearby waters flagged as part of a biodiversity hotspot. Coral Recovery: A coral reef restoration push across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reefs to protect coasts, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events keep hitting the region. Sustainable Tuna Deal: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries agreement, extending EU vessel access for four years and aiming to balance fishing opportunities with ocean health. Connectivity Upgrade: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to help close connectivity gaps under a new regulatory framework. Blue Economy Signals: The SEA Index® has expanded CO₂ certification to cover more recreational boats, including vessels from 10 metres, with Seychelles listed among the network. Biodiversity Spotlight: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT summer school, strengthening sustainable agroforestry, livestock training and biodiversity conservation through international collaboration.

Marine Noise & Biodiversity: Kenya Ports Authority links Middle East conflict-driven rerouting to rising underwater noise, warning it can disrupt whales, dolphins, fish and whole ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Sustainable Tuna Fishing: The EU and Seychelles signed a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU vessel access for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and migratory species annually. Coral Recovery: A UNDP-backed Coral Restoration Project is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events hit again. Local Conservation Education: Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority hosted Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School on Curieuse Island, boosting training in sustainable agroforestry and biodiversity conservation. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition as part of the country’s digital transformation push. Blue Economy in Yachting: Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index expanded CO₂ certification to more recreational boats, with Seychelles included in the network.

Sustainable Fishing: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries partnership, signing a new four-year protocol that lets EU vessels catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species each year, with licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners. Reef Recovery: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to protect coastlines, support fish stocks, and help communities recover after repeated bleaching events. Marine & Port Green Moves: The Port of Propriano in Corsica joined the SEA Index® network, and the SEA Index® expanded CO₂ certification to more recreational boats—an approach that could influence how leisure yachting measures emissions. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to households and businesses as part of the country’s digital transformation push. Biodiversity Spotlight: New research explains how the world’s largest crocodiles “surf” ocean currents between islands, using tide timing and energy-saving movement strategies.

Sustainable Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries partnership in Brussels, signing a new four-year protocol that lets EU vessels fish up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually, with licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners. Coral Recovery: A regional coral reef restoration push across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems with support from the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events intensify. Blue Economy & Ports: Transport officials in Angola discussed consolidating maritime and port investments and updating the national maritime and port strategy, stressing safer, more orderly development and stronger maritime surveillance. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition and a push for more reliable, affordable internet under a regulatory framework. Ocean Climate Standards: The SEA Index CO₂ certification for yachts is expanding to cover more recreational vessels and catamarans, using design-specific benchmarks to make emissions comparisons easier for owners and ports. Biodiversity Training: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT summer school, linking sustainable agroforestry and conservation training with Seychelles’ biodiversity goals.

Sustainable Fisheries: The EU has renewed its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Seychelles, restarting access for EU purse seine and longline vessels for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Coral Recovery: A new coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the center as bleaching events in 1998, 2016 and 2024 continue to hit the region. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to households and businesses as the government targets reliable, affordable internet under a regulatory framework. Blue-Carbon in Yachting: The SEA Index CO₂ certification has expanded beyond superyachts to include recreational boats from 10 metres and more vessel types, with Seychelles listed among the network locations. Local Nature & Livelihoods: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity work through international partnerships. Tourism Links: Emerald Cruises announced new Seychelles sailings on Emerald Kaia, including routes that reach remote atolls and marine-rich stops across the Indian Ocean.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU has renewed its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol with Seychelles for four years, restoring access for up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually after the previous deal expired on 23 February 2026. Coral Reef Recovery: A new coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles—supported by the Adaptation Fund and delivered with UNDP—puts coastal communities at the center as reefs recover from repeated bleaching and storm damage. Green Training in Nature: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, strengthening sustainable agroforestry, livestock training, and biodiversity conservation through international collaboration. Seychelles Connectivity: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to households and businesses under a regulatory framework. AU Water Focus: Seychelles’ foreign minister, Barry Faure, arrived in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. Blue Economy & Ports: Transport officials discussed consolidating maritime and port investments and updating national maritime strategy work. SEA Index CO₂ Certification: The SEA Index expanded CO₂ emissions certification for recreational yachts to more vessel types, including smaller boats and catamarans, with methodology developed with Lloyd’s Register.

Coral Reef Recovery: A new coral restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems with support from the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as repeated bleaching events (1998, 2016, 2024) and storms keep stressing the region’s reefs. Biodiversity & Training: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry and conservation training with Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority partners. Seychelles Connectivity: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ telecom market, giving households and businesses satellite broadband access while regulators stress fair competition and consumer protection. Ocean & Emissions Standards: The SEA Index® CO₂ certification has expanded beyond large yachts to cover more recreational boats and catamarans, with Seychelles listed among the network marinas. Blue Economy Tourism Links: Seychelles is exploring cooperation with Indonesia’s Pemapak hot springs to grow nature-based tourism and visitor numbers. Maritime Safety & Trade: Transport officials in Angola discussed consolidating maritime and port investments and updating the national maritime strategy, as sea routes carry most international trade. Wildlife-Linked Travel Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 ranking put Greece’s Elafonissi Beach in the global top two, with snorkelling over coral reefs highlighted.