Enhancing fisheries management through data integration: A case study of the Seychelles fisheries

Effective fisheries management relies on robust data collection and analysis to monitor operations, assess stock status, evaluate impacts, and develop sustainable management strategies. A well-structured data life cycle encompassing collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination, ensures data quality and accessibility, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable resource management. With the largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles' fisheries sector is vital to the nation's economy and marine conservation efforts. The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) has led the sustainable management of these resources for over four decades, harmonizing economic development with marine ecosystem conservation. However, the complexity of managing diverse fisheries, each with their specific challenge highlights the need for an efficient and transparent data workflow. To address this, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) and SFA have collaborated to enhance data governance by developing a structured and integrated computer system. This joint effort consolidates various data sources, including fishing operations documents, vessel tracking, and biological information into a relational database driven by web services and graphical interfaces. By improving data, reducing redundancy, and minimizing errors, this system strengthens the ability to analyze complex datasets and monitor trends effectively. This presentation will outline the various stages of the data life cycle from data collection, validation and processing to dissemination and reporting, focusing on the IRD-developed integrated system within the SFA fisheries management framework. It will also showcase the new opportunities this deployment brings, from enhanced data analysis and decision-making to improved operational efficiency. By leveraging relational databases, fisheries management can enhance data accessibility, foster regional collaboration, and support the development of evidence-based policies for sustainable resource management.