Seychelles Approves Seismic Survey to Unlock Mascarene Plateau’s Resource Potential

Victoria: A clearer picture of what lies beneath the Mascarene Plateau is now within reach after Cabinet approved a landmark agreement to undertake a new seismic survey of the jointly managed maritime area shared by Seychelles and Mauritius. The decision was announced on Thursday by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay during a press briefing at State House, following yesterday's Cabinet meeting chaired by President Dr. Patrick Herminie.According to African Press Organization, Cabinet approved Seychelles entering into and signing, jointly with Mauritius, a Multi Client Seismic Survey Agreement with Viridien for the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of geological and geophysical data within the Joint Management Area of the Extended Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region.Addressing the media, Vice-President Pillay stressed that the agreement does not authorize oil or gas drilling, but rather the collection of scientific data that will provide a clearer understanding of what lies beneath the seabed. The purpose of the survey is to acquire geological and geophysical information that will enable Seychelles and Mauritius to better assess the potential of the Joint Management Area. It is an important step in ensuring that any future decisions are based on sound scientific evidence, the Vice-President said.He explained that the initiative forms part of a process that began more than a decade ago, following the establishment of the Joint Management Area after Seychelles and Mauritius successfully secured international recognition of their joint sovereign rights over the extended continental shelf of the Mascarene Plateau.