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In January 2003, the whale shark was declared a protected species in Seychelles, under the Wild Animals Protection Act. The first subsidiary legislation of 2003 (S.I. 1 of 2003. 13th January 2003) states that:
'The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is declared to be protected throughout Seychelles at all times.
No person shall kill or take a whale shark.'
Under this Act, penalties for offences range from SR 5,000 to 500,000, imprisonment and the potential seizure of vehicles involved in the crime.
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This legislation marks a major breakthrough for the whale shark in Seychelles and results from
MCSS’ close working partnership with the Ministry of Environment. The legislation is notable for various reasons. It is the first species specific protective legislation directed at elasmobranches in Seychelles and therefore shows a new willingness of Government to address the major issue of shark management and conservation in general. Whilst not fished in Seychelles waters the legislation prevents later diversification of fisheries to target this species, and most importantly, it lays the foundations for Seychelles to pursue a regional approach to whale shark management with other countries in the Indian Ocean.
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| Whale
shark cruising at the surface. Photo Steve Maximo |
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PAT
type Satellite tag . Photo David Rowat |
MCSS research utilising satellite tags (Sagren vol.1.2) has demonstrated in recent years the highly migratory behaviour of whale sharks that pass through Seychelles’ waters. This coupled with the knowledge that whale sharks are targeted in other fisheries in the region means that a regional approach to the conservation and management of the species may be essential for the long-term viability of populations in the Indian Ocean.
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Whale
shark silhouette. Photo Udo Engelhardt
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Aside from the ecotourism value
of the whale shark it is also widely known as an indicator of the occurrence of
other fish species and is often utilised by purse seiners and pole and line
fisheries targeting tuna to set their nets or fish around. The legislation also
recognises this characteristic, which imbues additional value to the living
animal, and the importance of continued research of the species when it states:
'Nothing in the preceding regulations shall be construed as preventing otherwise legitimate fishing activities or authorised scientific
research.'
As such this legislation provides the platform for the continued research and future non-consumptive sustainable use of the species and is a major step forward in the work to save this magnificent animal.
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