The spiny lobster fishery has been conventionally managed by seasonal closures and limited access (license-limited) regulations implemented by the Seychelles Fishing Authority. These regulations have been in force to limit fishers primarily targeting coastal and shallow water stocks, where abundance is limited and easily accessible. In the past, assessments of fisheries dependent data have shown several significant declines in the coastal stocks when too many licenses are allocated or when the fishery remains open for 3 to 4 consecutive seasons. Consequently, the stock status is determined by assessing both fisheries dependent and independent (surveys) data. Results obtained are provided to managers with advice on whether the fishery should be opened or remain closed. The 2019-2020 lobster fishing season was opened after remaining closed for two consecutive seasons (2017-2018, 2018-2019, Figure 1). In October 2020, as part of the Participatory Lobster Monitoring Programme (PLMP) a fisheries independent survey was carried out to assess stock status at 20 sites around Mahé. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the PLMP survey and to present information on several stock indicators based on the combined data collected from the survey and the 2019-2020 fishing season. Moreover, it provides several recommendations and advice to managers on both fishery and survey to decision making on whether the 2020-2021 fishing season should be opened or remain closed. Published Not Known