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 the level of fishing effort of fishers primarily targeting the coastal and shallow water stocks, which are easily accessible and susceptible to overfishing. 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. Published Refereed