Three new longline vessels have been added to the Seychelles’ longliner fleet.

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

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

The three vessels - Blue Ocean 1, Blue Ocean 2, and Blue Ocean 3 – are part of the first fully Seychellois-owned industrial longliner fleet and belong to Marine Investment Resources Seychelles Ltd, owned by Alderic Benoiton. Once they become operational, the new vessels will be based at Providence.

Seychelles President James Michel recently met with Mr Benoiton to discuss his 95 million Seychelles rupee ($7.3m) project, which includes the new vessels and 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,” said President Michel following the visit.

“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.”

Mr 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 Benotion.

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