fbpx
+248 432 5806 info@seyccat.org

BGF#4

Type: Large

SeyCCAT strategic objective: Trial and nurture appropriate business models to secure the sustainable development of Seychelles’ blue economy.

Lead Project Partner: Harmony Investments

Partners: Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA); Islands Development Company (IDC)

Summary:

The primary outcome of this project is to develop location-specific hatchery techniques for producing juvenile Sea cucumbers for large scale commercialisation in a Pilot Hatchery. This primary outcome is reliant on the following specific outcomes to ensure project success in delivering viable outputs that can be replicated and scaled up:

  1. Complete technical specifications of layout, design and equipment used in a trial R&D Hatchery Complex.
  2. Experiments that have proven conclusions, based on scientific methodology providing necessary data and the structure to formulate a location-specific SOP manual for Hatchery Culture techniques.
  3. Collaborative Partnerships built with supporting institutions like SFA, Advance Africa, SeyCCAT, Department of Blue Economy and Islands Development Company for shared resources, equipment and technical expertise.

Project Objectives
The overall objective of this project is to set up a small-scale R&D trial hatchery for the propagation of juvenile Sea Cucumbers for subsequent use in sustainable commercial production. The following specific objectives will collectively contribute to the success of this:

  1. Design, engineer and evaluate within 1 month of the project start, the correct setup and equipment to install for the pilot R&D facility ensuring correct technologies applied through all the growth stages that will yield results
  2. Develop location-specific hatchery techniques for the specified Holothuria sp. using the scientific methodology in a controlled environment, with a high survival rate of fertilised eggs to 5g size, with an SOP manual, by project closure.
  3. Develop and Apply sustainable IMTA Polyculture models for integrating Sea cucumbers into future and current aquaculture systems using the available juvenile biomass from the hatchery by end of the project.
  4. Design a microalgae culture facility with technical specifications of equipment and lab culture techniques for reproducing multi-species of isolated live microalgae feeds required for a commercial size hatchery, in an SOP manual, by project closure.
  5. Prepare a feasibility study for the commercialisation of Sea Cucumbers in Seychelles, by the conclusion of the project.

SeyCCAT funds:   SCR 999,534

Co-financing: Co-Finance will be provided in kind by the Director and Technical Director in form of additional time and research expenses. Use of office, storage and personal motor vehicle use will not be charged. Use of personal boat and contracted watercraft for sea transport, research will be made available at cost price whenever needed. International travel will be co-financed in terms of rebate airline tickets and personal payment towards any technical training or courses that will be undertaken as extra murals.
Another form of co-finance in kind will come from a partnership secured with SFA through the use of an existing pump and filtration system and technical support. As for IDC, they will also co-finance in kind through logistical support on the islands.

Duration: 18 months starting August 2021

Project Application Form: Coming soon

Environmental and social management plan: Coming soon.

Media Coverage:

Aquaculture industry delayed by COVID-19 to come online later this year