JOURNAL INFORMATION
Seychelles Research Journal is published twice a year, in February and August. The aim of this online, open access journal is to demonstrate the vibrancy of research in and about Seychelles. Boundaries are drawn loosely to include comparable issues elsewhere in the western Indian Ocean and in small island states further afield.
Information on how to submit proposed articles and on the refereeing process is explained elsewhere in the website. New proposals are always encouraged.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Editor: Dennis Hardy
Deputy Editor/Web Design: Jane Woolfenden
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
International Advisers:
- Ashton Berry, Consultant, Australia
- David Brewster, National Security College, Australia
- Christian Bueger, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Jean-Pierre Cabestan, Hong Kong Baptist University
- Geoffrey Harris, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
- Kelly Hoareau, University of Tasmania, Australia
- Pascal Nadal, Diocesan Service of Catholic Education, Mauritius
- Peter Rudge, University of Staffordshire, UK
- Nilanthi Samaranayake, CNA, USA
- Jivanta Schottli, Dublin City University, Ireland
- Erika Techera, University of Western Australia
- Kris Valaydon, Founding Editor, Island Studies, Mauritius
Internal Advisers:
- Diana Benoit, Sir James Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute
- Penda Choppy, Creole Language and Culture Research Institute
- Christine Pejakovic, Education and Socio-Economic Research Institute
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
This is a publication of the University of Seychelles http://www.unisey.ac.sc
The views and opinions represented in this publication are not necessarily those of the institutions to which the authors and/or advisers are affiliated and, additionally, should not be attributed to the publisher.
©2025 – Seychelles Research Journal, The University of Seychelles
Cover photograph © Jane Woolfenden
ISSN 1659-7435
CONTENTS
♦ EDITORIAL
Read the editorial here: Editorial-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
♦ ARTICLES
A following association between a bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) and geometric moray eel (Gymnothorax griseus) at Mahé, Seychelles, and a review of eels as nuclear species in fish foraging associations ♦ Page 3 ♦
Michael R. Crossland and Sheau Fong Chan
Nuclear-follower foraging associations are common among marine fish in reef ecosystems, whereby the feeding activities of the nuclear species expose hidden prey to the benefit of the follower species. Eels in particular have been well documented as nuclear species. In this study, the authors describe a bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) following a geometric moray eel (Gymnothorax griseus) in the Republic of Seychelles. They also review the literature for eel-fish follower associations where eels are the nuclear species. Based on observations, and descriptions of similar associations for other fish species documented in the literature, the authors identify the G. griseus – C. melampygus association as likely to be a nuclear-follower association. This is the first record of such an association between G. griseus and C. melampygus at any geographic location worldwide. It is also the first record of a nuclear-follower association between any species of eel and fish in Seychelles. Including the observations recorded in this paper, a total of 89 species combinations of eel (nuclear) – fish (follower) associations have now been documented in the literature, demonstrating the prevalence of these associations in reef ecosystems.
Read the full article here: A_following_association_between_bluefin_trevally_&_geometric_moray_eel_Seychelles_&_review_of_eels_as_nuclear_species_in_fish_foraging_associations-M_R_Crossland_&_S_F_Chan-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Agrivoltaics for Backyard Farming – focused on the technical and social aspects exemplified on Mahé, Seychelles ♦ Page 14 ♦
Olivia Kühner and Benno Rothstein
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Seychelles face challenges in food and energy security, relying heavily on imports for both. Global crises exacerbate these vulnerabilities, causing price and supply chain issues. To increase self-sufficiency, Seychelles aims to promote backyard farming, strengthen sustainability, and strive for 100% renewable energy. However, limited land poses challenges. Agrivoltaics, combining solar energy and agriculture, may offer a solution. This examination explores its potential through a survey of backyard farmers on Mahé, focusing on farming practices, energy use, and perceptions of Agrivoltaics.
Read the full article here: Agrivoltaics_for_Backyard_Farming-Olivia_Kühner_and_Benno_Rothstein-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
……………………………………………………………………………………….
If You Want Peace, War and Preparation for War Are Poor Decisions ♦ Page 41 ♦
Geoff Harris
It is popularly believed that war – which is just one of several manifestations of violence – can best be avoided by preparing for it. Military might will deter others. This paper argues that the reverse is true and that the pursuit of peace can be better served by different means. The author examines the case for and against war under five headings – individual ethics, international law, cost, effectiveness and the availability of other options. He also shows how non-violence is a viable alternative. The fact that war continues to be a major response for so many countries shows high levels of ignorance and a lack of imagination on the part of military and political leadership and the intertwining of military and political power.
Read the full article here: If_You_Want_Peace,_War_and_Preparation_for_War_Are_Poor_Decisions-Geoff_Harris-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
……………………………………………………………………………………….
War or Peace? ♦ Page 50 ♦
Dennis Hardy
2025 has opened with an all-too-familiar scenario of conflicts between and within nations around the world. Given a choice between war and peace, one might have thought that the latter would always be the favoured option. There are certainly many advocates for peace but the arguments for war too often carry more weight. This paper looks at both sides and concludes that the best way to resist war is to negotiate for peace before violence erupts. Once the guns are fired, it is invariably too late to prevent escalation.
Read the full article here: War_or_Peace-Dennis_Hardy-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
………………………………………………………………………………………
Archipelago and Continent: Africanity in the Creole Indian Ocean ♦ Page 62 ♦
Ananya Jahanara Kabir
The Achilles Kwame Luc Memorial Lecture, 25 May 2024, at the Creole Language and Culture Research Institute at the University of Seychelles.
Read the full article here: Archipelago_and_Continent_Africanity_in_the_Creole_Indian_Ocean- Ananya_Jahanara_Kabir-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
♦ CONFERENCE REPORT
The Inaugural Seychelles Marine Science Symposium – A platform to facilitate collaborative
research moving forward 22-23 May 2024 ♦ Page 73 ♦
The_Inaugural_Seychelles_Marine_Science_Symposium–22-23_May-Seychelles_Research_Journal-7-(1)
Seychelles Research Journal 