The Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) was incorporated on 31st August 1984 by the Seychelles Fishing Authority (Establishment) Act, although it had physically been in existence since September 1983 when the Seychelles Industrial Fishing Authority (SIFA) was formed. SFA on its formation took over the staff of the Fisheries Division and those of the Fisheries Development Company (FIDECO). The Authority was established at a time of intense fisheries development, especially in foreign industrial tuna fishing. It was created to develop the fishing industry to its fullest potential and to safeguard the resource base for sustainable development.