Inauguration of a new fisheries facility at Anse aux Pins 28-06-2024

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Inauguration of a new fisheries facility at Anse aux Pins

Joint Press Release

Republic of Seychelles – European Union

Inauguration of a new fisheries facility at Anse aux Pins

(Victoria) – The President of the Republic of Seychelles was the guest of honour for the inauguration of a new fisheries facility at Anse aux Pins this morning, Friday 28 June 2024. The Designated Minister, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy and the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Seychelles were also present for the event that gathered artisanal fishers from the region. The project is funded by the European Union under the 2020-2026 Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement.

During the opening ceremony, the Designated Minister, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr Jean-François Ferrari said:

“With the growing fishing activities in this area, constrained by the limited facilities, it became evident by the authorities, that a proper fisheries facility is essential to facilitate the lives of the fishers, including the many customers from all over the island who come to Anse Aux Pins to buy fish from the community’s artisanal fishers… The Anse Aux Pins community is truly reaping the rewards of this Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement. It encourages good hygiene, maintains the quality of the fish sold by the fishers, and ultimately enhances their quality of life by providing a secure place to keep their engines and fishing gears, as well as a conducive area for selling and purchasing their catch.”

The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Oskar Benedikt said:

“The EU is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Seychelles and to have financed this new facility for the Seychelles fishing community which will facilitate the fishermen’s work and improve their livelihoods. This support is part of our Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement. We are looking forward to intensify our cooperation also in other related areas such hygienic standards, food security, fight against maritime crimes, among which illegal fishing, and the modernization of the port of Victoria”.

The project was initiated based on the fact that there is a great demand for gear stores and a more modern and hygienic market from the fishermen of Anse Aux Pins.

This new fisheries facility as Anse aux Pins includes a Fish Market, 20 Gear Stores, an Ice Plant, Administrative Offices, a Seawall and a slipway and a pontoon.

According to Mr. Theophane Estro, an artisanal fisher, this development highlights the importance of fishermen’s work, « This new facility shows that we the fishermen of Anse Aux Pins are being recognized and valued for the noble work we do in good. I do hope that this comes as an inspiration to the youth and other people, to join the fishing industry, one of our economy’s pillar.”

The construction, which started in August 2021, has been funded to the amount of SR 23.5 million under the EU sectoral support, which is a component of the EU-Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, is managed by the Seychelles Fishing Authority.

In the afternoon, Minister Ferrari and Ambassador Benedikt also inaugurated the new Seychelles Maritime Academy’s jetty under the EU sectorial support. It will provide a more secure mooring and facilitate accessibility to the SMA training vessel.

For more information, please contact:

Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Seychelles

Political, Press and Information Section

Telephone: (230) 2071515

Email: DELEGATION-MAURITIUS-PRESS@eeas.europa.eu

Web site: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mauritius

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinMauritius

https://www.facebook.com/EUinSeychelles

Twitter: @EUAmbMauritius

Seychelles Fishing Authority

Public Relations & Communications Section

Telephone: (248) 4670300