President James Michel visited three fishing vessels this morning, moored in the Port of Victoria, which are part of the first fully Seychellois-owned industrial longliner fleet, costing a total 35 million Seychelles rupees.

The President met with the fleet’s owner Mr. Alderic Benoiton and discussed his fisheries project, which is valued at total, including the vessels, of 95 million Seychelles rupees. The project also comprises of a fish processing factory.

“Today I am very proud as a President who promotes our Blue Economy, to see these vessels....to see that  longline fishing by Seychellois for Seychellois is entering a new level in the Blue Economy ....this forms part of our drive to ensure Seychellois are taking ownership of their economy... we all have a stake in the Blue Economy. I congratulate Mr. Benoiton for his initiative to exploit the ocean’s resources sustainably, to benefit the country, the local market and for export... and he is also going to invite young Seychellois at the maritime school to come and learn the skills for this kind of fishing career,” said President Michel following the visit.

Mr. Alderic Benotion said that he responded to the call made by President Michel and his Government for more Seychellois to enter into new ventures in the Blue Economy.

“ We seized the opportunity and started the project...I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve... in order to get revenue for our country we need to produce value-added products... our factory will process the fish and produce these value-added products,” said Mr. Benoiton.

President Michel was accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, the Principal Secretary for Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr. Michel Nalletamby, and Special Adviser for Fisheries to the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr. Finley Racombo.