(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles Air Force pilots have received initial training to operate drones that will be used to monitor illegal fishing activities in the waters of the island nation.

In a world first, President Danny Faure of Seychelles gave an address from a submersible 124 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean and asked for stronger protection of the oceans. “This issue is bigger than all of us, and we cannot wait for the next generation to solve it. We are running out of excuses to not take action, and running out of time.”

Seven projects in Seychelles that support marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries will get financial assistance under the second Blue Grants Fund launched in 2018. The Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) said a total of $363,000  (SCR 5 million) will be disbursed for projects that are in line with the fund’s strategic objectives.