Shark specialist pledges support to Seychelles

Marine conservationist visits President

SEYCHELLES: Ocean Ramsey, a marine conservationist, shark behaviour specialist, and free diver known for her close, cage-free interactions with sharks to challenge public perception and promote ocean protection, paid a courtesy call on President Dr Patrick Herminie at the end of March.

Commending Seychelles for achieving 30% marine protection, Ramsey said that her team is keen to support Seychelles in its next steps in conservation initiatives particularly in shark conservation, eco-tourism, and the protection of keystone species.

Discussions also covered the challenges faced by island states in conserving marine life, including illegal fishing, bycatch, and climate change.

Participating in the visit to the President, wildlife filmmaker, producer, and National Geographic explorer Filipe DeAndrade described a new initiative, Africa’s Blue 5, supported by the Danny Faure Foundation and Blue Safari on Alphonse Island. Inspired by the concept of the “Big Five”, the Blue 5 will focus on sharks, sea turtles, cetaceans, seabirds, and rays.

The initiative is expected to be launched from Seychelles, with the aim of encouraging other countries and island nations to protect their marine biodiversity.

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