SEYCHELLES DEFENCE FORCES INTERCEPTS FOREIGN VESSEL ENGAGED IN IUU FISHING
The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) has successfully intercepted a foreign fishing vessel engaged in Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within Seychelles waters.
The operation was conducted through a coordinated effort involving the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and the Special Operations Unit (SOU), following actionable information received through the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC).
The foreign-flagged fishing vessel was intercepted on 30 December 2025 while actively engaged in fishing activities within Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Upon interception and boarding, it was established that the vessel and its six crew members were of Sri Lankan origin and were operating without the required authorisation to fish in Seychelles waters.
Further inspections revealed fishing gear deployed at sea and a quantity of freshly caught fish on board, confirming ongoing illegal fishing activity.
The crew members were directed to retrieve all fishing gear from the water and were subsequently transferred to the SCG Patrol Ship Zoroaster. In accordance with established enforcement procedures and following the completion of necessary safety and compliance actions, the offending vessel was disposed of in accordance with applicable procedures.
The Seychelles Defence Forces reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s maritime sovereignty and protecting marine resources from exploitation. The SDF continues to work closely with national, regional, and international partners to deter and combat IUU fishing within Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone, in support of sustainable fisheries, maritime security, and the national Blue Economy.
Source : SDF
