Summary

A report into the impact of the December 26 2004 tsunami on the Seychelles fish populations and recommendations on coral reef damage, mitigation and the implementation of a fisheries management strategy.

Description

This report provides an assessment of the impact of the December 26 2004 tsunami on fish populations in the Seychelles. It also includes recommendations on the implementation of a coral reef monitoring and management strategy.

The Australian team included expert representatives from CSIRO, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Reefcare International.

Australia provided technical expertise to:

• formulate a reef monitoring strategy
• develop strategies to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs
• assess impacts to near-shore fisheries.

The mission's findings concluded that there appeared to be minimal impact on the coral reef and fish populations. However, some environmental damage may manifest in the longer term, hence a national monitoring program would assist with early detection and mitigation of any changes.

Australian Government assistance to the Seychelles tsunami relief effort [PDF 509KB]

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