Ocean growth fertiliser: Harnessing ocean waste for a greener Seychelles |09 June 2025
Ocean growth fertiliser: Harnessing ocean waste for a greener Seychelles
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles continues to champion environmental sustainability. As part of this mission, a homegrown initiative, Ocean Growth Fertiliser (OGF), is turning what was once considered waste into a powerful solution for regenerative agriculture.
Launched by young Seychellois entrepreneur Shahiid Melanie, OGF is pioneering the production of organic liquid and solid fertilisers made from fish waste, a by-product traditionally seen as a disposal issue in the fisheries sector. Instead of allowing these nutrients to go to waste or pollute marine ecosystems, OGF transforms them through a carefully monitored composting and hydrolysate process into eco-friendly fertilisers that enrich soil, support healthy crop growth, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
A circular solution to a national challenge
Seychelles generates substantial quantities of fish waste through its fishing and processing industries. Ocean Growth Fertiliser steps in at this crucial point in the waste chain, collecting and processing fish sludge to create value-added products for the agriculture sector. This approach directly addresses two major national concerns: waste management and food security.
By turning organic waste into high-quality fertiliser, OGF promotes a circular economy model where nothing is wasted, and everything has a purpose. “We see nature as our partner, not our opponent. Fish waste is not just waste – it’s an untapped resource with the potential to rejuvenate our soils and help feed our people,” says founder Shahiid Melanie.
Empowering farmers and youth
Ocean Growth Fertiliser has already begun testing in collaboration and support from the Agriculture department’s Research Unit at the Crop Research Station in Anse Boileau. The early results are promising, with healthier crops and improved soil condition observed in trial plots.
Beyond just the product, OGF serves as a platform for youth involvement in agriculture, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Supported by the SEED Capital Grant from the Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA), the initiative reflects how local entrepreneurship can tackle global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead
OGF is currently working toward scaling its operations to process larger volumes of organic waste and reach more farmers across Mahé and other islands. The organisation also has plans to produce value-added soil blends, biofertilisers, and educational materials to support sustainable farming practices in Seychelles.
At a time when the country is striving to reduce its agricultural imports and boost local production, solutions like Ocean Growth Fertiliser offer a much-needed path forward – one that’s rooted in local resources, powered by youth, and guided by environmental care.
Text and photos: Contributed