MTC students learn more about sharks |23 March 2015

A group of 30 students from the Maritime Training Centre (MTC) visited the St Anne marine park and St Anne Island recently to learn about one of Seychelles' oldest marine parks and a keystone species in the marine ecosystem –the shark!  

This event was organised by the Green Islands Foundation (GIF) in collaboration with the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA), MTC and with the help of Mason's Travel and the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa.

The day started with an underwater tour of the Ste Anne marine park in the Masons' sub-sea boat. The students enjoyed the spectacular coral reef scenery learning about the different types of coral species and fishes living on the reef.

After the tour, the group was transferred to the Ste Anne island where the rest of the activities took place. After a delicious lunch prepared by the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Isabelle Ravinia from the SNPA gave the students a brief presentation about the history of the marine park and about management activities carried out by the SNPA, such as, beach monitoring, ranger’s patrol and reef surveys.

Jennifer Appoo from the GIF explained to students the importance of sharks for a healthy ocean and a balanced food chain, the different types of shark species which can be found in Seychelles and the threats they face. The students already had good knowledge on shark anatomy as this topic aligns with the fisheries science programme they follow at the MTC. When questioned about sharks as the man-eating monsters, the students were convinced that this gross misconception needs to be eradicated by the root!

Afterwards, a walk along the beach allowed the students to see several harmless juvenile lemon sharks cruising close to shore. This was also a chance to see other species associated with coastal habitats such as the rocky shore and the sea grass beds. These included mud skippers, chitons, crabs, juvenile reef fishes and coastal birds such as herons.

The activity was a success because the students not only got the chance to see actual sharks in their natural environment, but also learned about the role they play in these ecosystems. On top of that they were also able to see the diversity of organisms that coastal ecosystems support, hence understanding the need to preserve these habitats.

“It’s a big step in conservation in taking the MTC students to the Ste Anne marine park as most of these students will eventually be working in the marine environment. So what we are doing today is teaching them about the importance of marine environment and about ways of protecting this very important resource that we have,” said Ms Ravinia.

Rodney Bonne, the fisheries science teacher at the MTC, said "by seeing the marine species in their environment, students were able to get a better understanding of what they are taught in classrooms. The students are happy to have had this opportunity and more of these educational activities with outside organisations should be encouraged as it is a great learning tool.”

This event is part of a national campaign the GIF is running based on education and awareness about sharks, funded by the UNDP GEF Small Grant's Programme and the Environment Trust Fund. Similar activities have been organised previously with students all over the country, for example during the Youth Outreach Programme with Praslin and La Digue secondary students last December, and on Care Club day last October with primary students from different schools on Mahe.

Other partners involved in this project include the Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles, Save Our Seas Foundation, Seychelles Fishing Authority, Ministry of Education, Fishermen and Boat Owners Association, and Wise Oceans.

The campaign will continue until June 2015 and the GIF hopes to convey the importance of sharks to as many people as possible.
Sharks keep the ocean healthy – by feeding on sick and weak prey, they prevent the spread of diseases. Being an apex predator, sharks are vital in keeping the food chain balanced. Sustaining a healthy shark population in Seychelles is also important for tourism and fisheries, the two main pillars of our economy.