Save Our Seas Foundation Seychelles

Good role models for skin and eye protection during long, hot days on the atoll.

Photo by Elma Balette | © Save Our Seas Foundation

What a MANTAstic Monday!

Manta rays are generally large animals, but we often spot small individuals that can look like very large eagle rays. We record and use manta size and different size classes as indicators of population structure because they help us understand the distribution of age groups within the population. Studying size classes is important for identifying juveniles, subadults and adults, which provides insight into growth, reproduction, and survival rates. A healthy population usually includes a range of different size classes, while missing groups may indicate environmental pressures or population decline.

Photo by Luke Saddler | © Save Our Seas Foundation

One of the few magical critters from the flats. A reminder to explore the flats more at low tide.

Photo by Maria Monthy | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Fish Aggregating Devices aka FADs are often found washed up on beaches or tangled on reefs at D'Arros and St Joseph. These floating structures help attract marine life and support fishing communities. However, when unmanaged, they can cause several issues such as damage to coral reefs – ropes and netting can become entangled in coral structures, ghost fishing – they continue trapping marine life long after they have been abandoned, hazards – they can obstruct navigational routes or nesting beaches for wildlife, and pollution – over time they can degrade into microplastics.

Photo by Elma Balette | © Save Our Seas Foundation

To conclude the 5th Sharks International Conference, the SOSF Island School Seychelles educators duo Sheril De Comarmond and Corianna Camille, along with SOSF-DRC’s Dillys Pouponeau participated in a two-day Conservation Leadership Workshop focused on strengthening leadership skills, strategic thinking, and professional growth. The workshop provided valuable tools for impact planning, reflective practice, and building sustainable habits, while also creating meaningful connections with fellow conservationists. One of the key outcomes was the development of a clear 12-month action plan to help guide future conservation efforts and personal development.

Photo by Corianna Camille | © Save Our Seas Foundation



Our Seas Foundation

Sharkies eat sharkies!

While conducting our long-term monitoring program of juvenile sharks, we record bite injuries on captured individuals.

Our recent fDNA juvenile shark diet study revealed that lemons enjoy a bit of blacktip reef shark as food in St Joseph amongst other findings. The manuscript is currently in process.

Photo by Elma Balette | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Happy MANTAstic Monday!

Visibility is not always favorable when working with manta cam data, making it difficult to identify mantas even when a manta is right in the frame.

Photo MantaCam | © Save Our Seas Foundation

We might have found the tiniest hermit crab ever! Prove us wrong if you have seen a smaller one.

Photo by Dillys Pouponeau | © Save Our Seas Foundation

This week, our Education and Communications Coordinator, Sheril De Comarmond presented at the 5th Sharks International in Sri Lanka🦈

Marking five years of the D’Arros Experience, the presentation highlighted how immersive learning in a key ecological hotspot is strengthening ocean literacy around sharks and rays in Seychelles.

Students engaged with the SOSF D’Arros Research Centre’s team, gaining insight into ongoing work and the ecological role of these species. Programme evaluations showed a clear shift towards more informed and positive perceptions of sharks and rays following participation. This impact continues through a dedicated alumni programme and ongoing engagement, including Shark Awareness Day events.

The key message was simple. When young people experience these ecosystems first hand, science becomes personal and conservation becomes something they carry forward 🦈🌊

📸Sharks International 2026



Save Our Seas Foundation

When the winds are calm and the seas are clear. When you can see to the seabed from the air.

Photo by Henriette Grimmel | © Save Our Seas Foundation