Tons of fishing gear and plastic are washing up on Seychelles beaches. We tracked where it was coming fr...

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Published: 2026-09-17T19:24:12.802Z • Permanent link

Fishing gear and plastic waste have been washing up on Seychelles beaches, a devastating impact on the environment and local economy. The cleanup efforts have been led by the Seychelles government, in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). According to a report by the Seychelles' Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, over 1,000 tons of marine debris, including plastic and fishing gear, have been collected from the shores of the archipelago since 2019. The cleanup efforts have been ongoing for several months, with volunteers from around the world participating in the effort.

Efforts to tackle the problem have been spearheaded by individuals such as Ahmed Abdulla, a Seychelles-based environmentalist who has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue. Abdulla has stated that the problem is not just an environmental issue, but also a economic one, as the debris is causing significant damage to the country's tourism industry. The Seychelles government has also implemented measures to reduce marine pollution, including the introduction of a new law that prohibits the dumping of waste at sea.

Cleanup efforts have been supported by companies such as Patagonia, which has provided funding and equipment to help with the effort. The company's environmental director, Rose Marcario, has stated that Patagonia is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and that the cleanup efforts in Seychelles are an important step towards achieving this goal.

Economic losses due to marine debris have significant implications for the global economy. The World Bank estimates that the cost of marine debris in the Mediterranean alone is around $2.2 billion per year. In Seychelles, the cleanup efforts have already had a significant impact on the local economy, with the government estimating that the debris is costing the country around $1 million per month. Companies such as the Seychelles-based fishing company, Island Fishing, have also been affected by the debris, with the company's CEO, Philippe Dupont, stating that the debris is causing significant damage to their fishing gear.

Research communities are also taking notice of the issue, with scientists from the University of Seychelles conducting studies on the impact of marine debris on the local ecosystem. The research has highlighted the need for more effective measures to reduce marine pollution, and has led to increased calls for action from policymakers and industry leaders.

The issue of marine debris is not unique to Seychelles, but is a global problem that requires a coordinated response. In recent years, there have been several high-profile incidents of marine debris, including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is estimated to be around 700,000 square kilometers in size. The patch is composed of plastic debris, including bags, bottles, and microbeads, which are thought to be the result of a combination of human activity and ocean currents.