Blue Economy Research Institute
Research and Projects
Blue Economy Research Institute
Contact Us
Mrs. Sylvanna Antat
Director of Blue Economy Research Institute
+248 438 1232
Marine Biodiversity Baseline assessment around Fregate Island, the eastern most Seychelles ‘Inner’ granitic island
Duration: January 2019 – December 2020 (24 months)
Description: Long-term, marine ecological research programmes are needed to improve our understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern coral reef ecosystems. Information generated by a long-term marine programme at Fregate Island will help to distinguish anthropogenic change from natural variation, understand the combined effects of various stresses, predict how different parts of the reef community may be affected by environmental change, and identify activities both within and outside coral reef ecosystems that affect the survival of coral reefs.
This project aims to collect data for an initial assessment of the coral reef assemblage and associated marine species, and assess trends over time by establishing a long-term marine monitoring program on Fregate Island. The data will be collected through standardized marine monitoring scientific methodologies currently employed by GIF, and can be used to compare findings with other granitic islands. The marine monitoring will be augmented with novel spatial monitoring technologies provided by Coralive.org. The research will produce reports about the state of Fregate Island’s coral reef with more specific questions being answered through University of Seychelles Environmental Science bachelor student’s final year projects. In addition, public awareness of the threats facing coral reefs and marine conservation will be enhanced using state of the art technologies such as 3D virtual reef mosaics. Ultimately, by compiling all the research outlined in this project, we aim to provide recommendations for decisions to be made on the potential for creating an MPA around Fregate Island.
Funding body: SeyCCAT
Partners: Fregate Island Private, Green Islands Foundation (GIF), Coralive.
Assessing the effectiveness of Curieuse Marine National Park in the protection of the critical early life stages of sicklefin lemon sharks (Negaprion acutidens)
Duration: January 2019 – June 2020 (18 months)
Description: The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks (NPOA; Seychelles Fishing Authority 2007) confirmed that shark stocks in Seychelles have followed a pattern of decline over the past few decades as seen in the majority of shark populations worldwide. This, coupled with the paucity of information regarding Negaprion acutidens, highlights the need for long-term studies of this species’ populations.
Identifying and understanding the use of critical habitats specific to the early life stages of a species is fundamental to their effective conservation and management. Protection of nursery grounds represents an important component of shark management in a broad context, but the utilisation of these coastal areas by N. acutidens during early life stages puts them at high risk from anthropogenic threats such as fishing. In addition N. acutidens is known to occur within mangrove habitats, which due to coastal development, have significantly reduced in size within Seychelles inner islands. Curieuse Marine National Park (CMNP), is home to one of the largest remaining mangrove areas found within the inner islands of Seychelles and supports a valuable nursery ground for N. acutidens.
The project aims to gain a greater understanding of the movements of neonate N. acutidens within Curieuse Marine National Park and the efficacy of the park size in their protection. Through the involvement of local partners the project aims to build on the sense of stewardship felt for the marine protected areas of Seychelles and promote the protection of their valuable biodiversity.
Funding body: SeyCCAT
Partners: GVI Seychelles, Seychelles National Parks Authority
Outer Islands coral collection facility
Duration: Feb 2019 (facility operational)
Description: One of the outputs under the national UNDP/GoS/GEF-funded Outer Islands project was to develop a coral collection facility. The objective of the facility was to provide the foundation for training and raising awareness on coral species identification and taxonomy. This is intended to support:
- University level training (diploma, bachelors, masters and research),
- Professional development in national organizations and institutions mandated with coral and reef protection (IDC, customs, SNPA, IDC, ICS, other NGOs),
- Private and civil society groups engaged in tourism (dive operators, guides, etc), and
- Public and schools-oriented programmes.
The University of Seychelles, as a key partner in this project, was selected to establish this coral collection facility at the Anse Royale campus. Several items of equipment were purchased and currently the facility is housed within the University Centre for Environmental Education (UCEE) at the Anse Royale Campus. There is an intention that if further funds can be secured in the future that the facility will be expanded and housed separately from the UCEE at the campus.
In line with establishing the facility, a workshop was held at the UCEE from February 26th-28th 2019 to provide foundation training in practical hard-coral sampling, processing, identification and the curating of a reference collection for key stakeholders from NGO’s, parastatals, University staff and students, and governmental departments.
Funding body: GEF5
Partners: GOS-UNDP-GEF, Island Conservation Society (ICS), University of Milano – Bicocca, Italy
Strategies for large-scale coral reef restoration for coastal resilience in the Seychelles
Duration: November 2018 – November 2019
Description: The Seychelles is a small island state that is heavily dependent on coastal zone activities, including tourism. Coastal erosion, sea level rise and flooding are increasingly threatening the coastal infrastructure and beaches. Coral reefs have long acted as a natural buffer for these risks. Small-scale pilots have sought to restore these reefs. However, these efforts have not been implemented on a large scale and have not been specifically applied in areas with coastal erosion and flooding issues.
As part of an international consortium of partners, this project supports the World Bank/GFDRR to develop a strategy and recommendations for the feasibility of large-scale coral reef restoration to strengthen coastal resilience in Seychelles. The main aim of this project is to review the existing ecological, economic and policy environment, and develop feasible strategies for upscaling coral reef restoration using private and public financing sources. This project aligns with BERI’s strategy: to develop baseline data on ecosystems that support the Blue Economy, and support restoration of these key ecosystems, both strategically and collaboratively.
Funding body: World Bank
Partners: BMT Consultants (Australia), Aither consultancy (Australia), University of Queensland (Australia), Marine Conservation Society Seychelles and WiseOceans (Seychelles)
Ocean Acidification observations in the Western Indian Ocean
Duration: Feb 2019 (facility operational)
Description: One of the outputs under the national UNDP/GoS/GEF-funded Outer Islands project was to develop a coral collection facility. The objective of the facility was to provide the foundation for training and raising awareness on coral species identification and taxonomy. This is intended to support:
- University level training (diploma, bachelors, masters and research),
- Professional development in national organizations and institutions mandated with coral and reef protection (IDC, customs, SNPA, IDC, ICS, other NGOs),
- Private and civil society groups engaged in tourism (dive operators, guides, etc), and
- Public and schools-oriented programmes.
The University of Seychelles, as a key partner in this project, was selected to establish this coral collection facility at the Anse Royale campus. Several items of equipment were purchased and currently the facility is housed within the University Centre for Environmental Education (UCEE) at the Anse Royale Campus. There is an intention that if further funds can be secured in the future that the facility will be expanded and housed separately from the UCEE at the campus.
In line with establishing the facility, a workshop was held at the UCEE from February 26th-28th 2019 to provide foundation training in practical hard-coral sampling, processing, identification and the curating of a reference collection for key stakeholders from NGO’s, parastatals, University staff and students, and governmental departments.
Funding body: GEF5
Partners: GOS-UNDP-GEF, Island Conservation Society (ICS), University of Milano – Bicocca, Italy
A ridge to reef approach for the integrated management of marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems in the Seychelles
Duration: October 2020 – January 2025
Description: The objective of the project is to undertake a comprehensive Ridge to Reef (R2R) approach that addresses the ‘whole island’ priorities of improved management and conservation of upland forest and agricultural ecosystems as well as coastal and marine ecosystems in the Seychelles to produce global benefits in terms of conservation of globally significant biodiversity and the effective management of large marine ecosystems (including coastal and near-shore marine ecosystems), and to arrest and reverse ecosystem degradation. BERI-UniSey is a key partner in project activities related to aquatic ecosystem monitoring and the consolidation, management and sharing of environmental information supported by the development of a database.
Funding Body: GEF
Partners: N/A
RISK PERCEPTIONS, VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND FARM LEVEL ADAPTATION ACROSS FOUR AGRICULTURAL ZONES IN SEYCHELLES (COMESA FUNDED PROJECT)
Duration: December 2020 – September 2021
Description: This COMESA project assessed climate-related risks, vulnerabilities and adaptation measures of 140 randomly selected farm households across four agricultural zones on Mahé, Seychelles. This study also analysed perceptions of climate-related risks and adaptation actions implemented by farm households.
Funding Body: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Partners: Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA)
WILLINGNESS TO PAY (WTP) SURVEY
Duration: April – December 2019
Description: UniSey and SSTF conducted a Willingness to Pay (WTP) survey to determine the feasibility of adding an environmental levy to Seychelles’ existing departure fee.
Funding Body: SeyCCAT
Partners: Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SSTF), Valsen Consulting
SEYCHELLES SEAGRASS AND BLUE CARBON MAPPING PROJECT
Duration: October 2020 – June 2022
Description: The objectives of the project was the development of a field validated seagrass map for Seychelles, the provision of baseline estimates of in-situ carbon stock in seagrass soil, and the sharing of this research results with the government of the Republic of Seychelles. In coordination with the Island Conservation Society (ICS) and the University of Oxford, a field data sampling plan that outlines specific field sites was developed, along with sampling points and methods for data needed for validation and soil coring. Using the data collected, seagrass maps, associated carbon stock data, and ancillary open data repositories were developed.
A transversal component of the project was to build national capacity for environmental studies and to support local researchers in building new international connections with scientists working on similar projects where Pew is engaging globally.
Funding Body: Pew Charitable Trust and SeyCCAT
Partners: SeyCCAT
SWIOFISH3 PERCEPTION SURVEY
Duration: 6 months
Description: The Department of Blue Economy, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, under the project ‘Third South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Project (SWIOFish3)’ contracted the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) to design and conduct a perception survey to gain insight into how people understand the purpose and role of the Seychelles ocean resources management measures, how the government should work with and for the benefit of users, where development and investment in the fisheries value chain should be focused to ensure sustainability, and how existing policies and strategies in place contribute to the effectiveness of these measures.
Funding Body: Department of the Blue Economy (primarily financed by World Bank (IBRD) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)
Partners: N/A
Climate change education and capacity building on adaptation in the Seychelles small island developing state
Duration: December 2020 – September 2021 (10 month)
Description: The project primarily focused on capacity building in Climate Change Education and on Adaptation in the Seychelles Small Island Developing State through the development of climate change related certificate programmes, short courses and training workshops. BERI-Unisey worked with a local partner – Wildlife Club of Seychelles (WCS) on the project.
Funding Body: COMESA
Partners: Ministry of Agriculture Climate Change and Energy (MACCE), Wildlife Club Seychelles (WCS)
IRD/FSPI seaweed aquaculture
Duration: March 2021 – December 2021
Description: This study determined the feasibility of local seaweed species for aquaculture production in 1) land-based systems, and 2) integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTA). Species that were investigated are Sargassum sp. and Ulva sp. as these occur along the coastal habitats of Mahé Island, Seychelles, and are natural food sources for lower trophic species such as sea urchin.
Funding Body: IRD/FSPI
IRD/FSPI seagrass meadows and coral growth
Duration:
Description: Within the proposed research project the extent of a seagrass meadow near Bougainville, Mahé was assessed. In situ experiments were conducted to estimate the net primary production of seagrass and monitor how coral growth and health is affected in the presence of seagrass.
The outcomes of this project include:
- Assessment of the seagrass extension near Bougainville using aerial surveys
- Estimates of coral growth with and without influence of seagrass presence.
- Estimates of primary production by seagrass, coral and seagrass, and corals on bare substrate.
Funding Body: IRD
Exploring innovative opportunities for promoting synergies between climate change adaptation and mitigation in Seychelles
Duration: January 2021 – July 2022 (18 months)
Description: The main objectives of the project were to purchase and install 15kw PV system on the rooftop at UniSey, Anse Royale Campus, to promote agroforestry among 40 farmers on Mahé Island through the planting of 600 fruit trees at the edge/boundaries of farmlands for carbon capture and food security, to demonstrate fibre processing to produce local craft from invasive plant species, and to research the following components: (i) factors that influence the uptake of PV systems among households on Mahé Island, (ii) Potential of agroforestry among smallholder farmers: a SWOT-AHP analysis, and (iii) Determinants of agroforestry adoption among smallholder farmers in a tropical island with Seychelles as case study.
Funding Body: UNDP Small Grants Programme
Partners: Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA), and M. Eco-fabrics
Fishing livelihoods and fisheries management in the mahé granitic island, seychelles: a cost-benefit-analysis based on a value chain approach
Description: The aim of the project was to improve the livelihood of small-scale fishermen. The project addressed issues related to socio-demographic and institutional factors, capital costs, operation costs, external cost estimation, and benefits enjoyed by small-scale fishers.
Funding Body: SeyCATT
Partners: Fishers Boat Owners Association (FBOA)
Support for articulating the blue economy and coastal adaptation investment priorities for Seychelles’ climate resilience.
Duration: November 2020 – April 2021 (6 months)
Description: The project aim was to support the Seychelles in completing its reviewed Nationally Determined Contributions to the UNFCCC. The project provided support through its assessment of Seychelles adaptation to climate change from a Blue Economy perspective. This was augmented by a National Adaptation Plan, and verified through stakeholder engagement and a workshop.
Funding Body: World Bank
Partners: Deltares
UNECA socio-economic assessment using the blue economy valuation toolkit– UNECA commissioned project
Duration: January 2021 – March 2021 (3 months)
Description: This project was a follow-on to a previous UNECA consultancy completed in December 2020, Testing a Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit. This project did an in-depth study of the socio-economic perspective on the Blue Economy to enable more accurate reporting for the toolkit and to guide the inclusion of any socio-economic metrics that should be used.
Funding Body: UNECA
Partners: – Independent Consultant, Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, Vanguard Economics
Testing a Blue Economy valuation toolkit
Duration: August 2020 – December 2020
Description: The overall objective of this work was to assist a coordinating team with the development of a valuation toolkit for socio-economic assessments aimed at providing an accurate snapshot of the potential of the Blue Economy, in particular in Eastern Africa. The ultimate result was the production of a comprehensive report highlighting analysis of data and information collected as well as main findings from the testing of the toolkit and key recommendations.
Funding Body: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA)
Partners: University of Portsmouth, Independent Consultant, Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, Vanguard Economics
One Ocean Hub
Duration: March 2019 – March 2022
Description: The One Ocean Hub aims to transform our response to the urgent challenges facing our ocean. Its research seeks to bridge current disconnections in law, science and policy and integrate governance frameworks to balance multiple ocean uses with conservation. It strives to empower the communities, women and children, most reliant upon the oceans to inform decisions based on multiple values and knowledge systems. The Hub specifically addresses the challenges and opportunities of South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Fiji and Solomon Islands, through collaborative, transdisciplinary research
Funding Body: World Bank / Global Challenges Research Fund
Partners: N/A
Building capacity in Seychelles to advance marine monitoring and ecosystem management to increase climate resilience
Duration: July 2023 – June 2026 (3 years)
Description: The aim of this project is to expand marine monitoring initiatives and capacity in Seychelles to improve our understanding of the status and distribution of the marine life, the coral reefs and the threatened species within and adjacent to five of Seychelles’ inner island MPAs, and to identify areas of natural resilience for enhance protection and management. The project also aims to conduct significant stakeholder engagement to bolster the understanding of MPA benefits to communities.
Funding Body: CEPF & SeyCCAT
Partners: SPGA, MACCE, SAIAB & Ocean Life Science
Negotiating Ocean Conflicts among Rivals for Sustainable and Equitable Solutions (NOCRISES) – Belmont Forum CRA Project
Duration: July 2022 – December 2024
Description: It aims to understand the various and frequent conflicting roles of stakeholders involved in marine resource exploitation, and can provide valuable information for the design of more inclusive and just marine resource management policies. Such understanding is critical to transitioning to novel arrangements required to deal with changes in resource abundance and distribution, thus informing more equitable resource allocation policies. It also helps stakeholders better prepare for the future by explicitly considering trade-offs and compromises. The project is interdisciplinary, gender and seniority balanced, and includes an explicit framework that engages artists, designers, and scientists towards a common goal. It will engage stakeholder groups, future leaders and emphasize female participation. The approach will promote long lasting equitable resource allocations and just transitions to achieve sustainable ocean management.
Funding Body: The Belmont Forum (Funded via NSF, USA) Managed by UCSC, California
Partners: The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University, East Carolina University, The Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz, Rhodes University South Africa, The Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) & Queensland University of Technology
