On Tuesday, 26 May, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the Status and Trend of Seychelles’ Coral Reefs 2026 Report. The report stands amongst the most comprehensive coral reef assessments ever conducted in Seychelles to date.

The launch ceremony brought together the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Rodney Quatre; SeyCCAT CEO Ms Helena Sims; report authors Bee Ecological; and representatives from local organisations that contributed to the report.

Drawing on 3,778 observations from 285 survey sites collected over 32 years, the report represents the most complete picture of Seychelles’ reef health to date. It was made possible by contributions from 11 dataset providers, bringing together data from multiple research institutions, government agencies, and conservation organisations into a single, consolidated assessment.

The findings are clear and urgent. National coral cover stands at just 14%, and Seychelles has now experienced three major climate-driven thermal stress events: in 1998, 2016, and, most recently, in 2024, as part of the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event. In the inner islands, the 1998 event caused an estimated 90% loss of live coral, reducing cover to around 3%. The 2016 event brought heat stress that exceeded even 1998 levels. Each successive event leaves less time for reefs to recover before the next disturbance, raising the risk of long-term collapse.

The stakes for Seychelles are high. Coral reefs underpin the country’s two most critical economic sectors, namely, tourism and fisheries. It is estimated that tourism activities on reefs alone generate over US$51.5 million annually. In addition, approximately 4,000 metric tonnes of reef fish are caught each year, most of which are for local consumption, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk and national food security.

Financing for the report was made possible under SeyCCAT’s Ocean’s Resolve programme, funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. Through the Ocean’s Resolve, SeyCCAT is dedicated to protecting and conserving coral reefs through reef-positive business development and stronger coordination amongst partners.
The Status and Trend of Seychelles’ Coral Reefs 2026 Report is available to download via SeyCCAT’s website here.