The Seychelles Marine Conservationist Training Project is aimed to increase the capacity for marine monitoring and assessment through a network of skilled and experienced marine students/researchers that are equipped for the practicalities of the workplace.
A key activity is the development of a long-term coral reef monitoring program and improved knowledge and understanding of the status of coral reefs in the north-west Mahe region, and the potential impacts of local pressures.
The monitoring program is conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Seychelles, providing research training in different monitoring techniques at various coral reefs, and analysis with the aim to make all data and results freely available through various online databases and communication platforms.
The coral reefs visited during the project are in the Beau Vallon Bay area from L’ilot to Anse Major and includes Bel Ombre with one of the biggest artisanal fishing communities in the Seychelles, whilst Beau Vallon is one of the major tourist areas in the Seychelles with many tourists engaging in marine based leisure activities. The area is important in the small-scale fishing industry of Seychelles. This project seeks to identify threats and risks and provide solutions which will in turn pave the way for further monitoring projects and implementing sustainable use of the marine environment in this area.