25/02/2026
Protecting Seychelles’ Vast Maritime Territory – A National Imperative
The Republic of Seychelles is geographically unique. Our total landmass measures approximately 445 km², yet our maritime jurisdiction extends over approximately 1.33–1.37 million km² of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In practical terms, Seychelles is not a small country — it is a large ocean state.
This vast maritime domain represents more than geography; it is:
• Our primary economic lifeline (fisheries, tourism, blue economy)
• Our food security reserve
• Our energy and seabed potential
• Our environmental heritage
• Our national sovereignty frontier
1. The Strategic Reality
When the maritime domain is insufficiently monitored, controlled, and protected, it creates operational space for:
• Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Narcotics trafficking
• Human trafficking and smuggling
• Piracy and maritime robbery
• Environmental crimes
• Unauthorized resource extraction
An unguarded maritime space is not neutral — it becomes attractive to transnational organized crime networks. The ocean, if not governed effectively, becomes a corridor for illicit activity.
For Seychelles, this is not theoretical. The Indian Ocean is a strategic maritime highway linking Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Our location makes us both privileged and vulnerable.
2. Economic and Ecological Security
Our waters are among the richest in the region. Tuna fisheries, coral reefs, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems form the backbone of:
• Employment
• Foreign exchange earnings
• Sustainable tourism
• Blue economy innovation
If our maritime territory is exploited unlawfully, we risk:
• Stock depletion
• Ecosystem collapse
• Loss of revenue
• Long-term economic instability
Protection of the maritime domain is therefore not only a security function, but also a risk management and resilience functions
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