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 this morning.
Opening her introduction, Ms. Ocean Ramsey commended Seychelles for achieving 30% marine protection and praised the country’s strong international reputation and legacy in marine conservation. She highlighted 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.
Ms Ramsey, who specialises in shark conservation, provided an overview of her work, which has contributed to influencing policies and legislation to strengthen sharks protection, especially in her home state of Hawaii. She also commended eco-school activities that educate young children on protecting the fragile marine ecosystem, noting in particular the recent visit of schoolchildren to Aldabra, where they experienced close contact with juvenile sharks along the coast.
Discussions also covered the challenges faced by island states in conserving marine life, including illegal fishing, bycatch, and climate change.
Wildlife filmmaker, producer, and National Geographic explorer Filipe DeAndrade informed the President of 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.
The delegates also exchanged ideas on how to further promote, educate, and conserve the fragile marine ecosystem in the EEZ.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Danny Faure Foundation, Mr Larrey Chetty and Ms Lorraine Faure. Accompanying Ocean Ramsey and Filipe DeAndrade were Ms Alana Nunn, Mr Juan Oliphant, and Mr Brian Moghari, as part of the international team.