Cap Ternay October 2017 Achievement Report

Objective
Increase cooperation among organizations within the Seychelles
Have a GVI spokesperson attend the West Indian Ocean Marine Science Association
symposium (WIOMSA) in Tanzania

Summary
Opportunities have been seized by staff members to assist other organizations in
marine data collection around inner islands in the Seychelles

Report

Since the arrival of GVI in the Seychelles it has been an important focus to maintain a good
rapport with the local community and other organizations. This has been achieved through
the community work we do on a weekly basis, including the teaching of the International
School of Seychelles and the Presidents Village. The current staff team situated in Cap Ter-
nay are however willing to go that little bit extra to assist other organizations in their re-
search. Owing to favorable dive conditions at this time of year, GVI has been contacted to
assist in marine surveys for Green Island Foundation (GIF) and Seychelles Fishing Authority
(SFA). Two staff members (Thomas Colston and Josie Woodgate) aided in data collection for
GIF on Denis Island for 6 days. The similar methodology meant that surveying could be con-
ducted promptly, completing fish, invertebrates and coral surveys in one dive, thus minimiz-
ing any wasted time.

A second trip to North Island is in the process of preparation, which will see another two
staff members assist with the marine surveys.

The benefits of this support are numerous, including the collection of data that will be valu-
able in determining health of Deniss coral reef and perhaps the implementation of more
extensive conservation matters, as well as the good word this cooperation puts out for GVI
in this close-knit community.
Another opportunity to help partner organizations arose when Secychelles Fishing Authority
(SFA) required support to undertake sea urchin monitoring around Seychelles inner islands.
Previous good relations with the trip organizer meant that members of the team were se-
lected to join the research cruise. Josie Woodgate boarded the vessel for a six day trip that
surveyed around Praslin and La Digue. The sea urchins observed were scarce, a disturbing
concept when coupled with the decline in coral health in the region. Thus, a second trip is
taking place which will undertake more surveys in the same islands, as well as venturing fur-
ther north to Denis and Frigate Island on an 18 day trip. For this trip Andy Ezeta has the op-
portunity to join the trip and cement good relations as well as inter-governmental facilita-
tion with SFA.