On Thursday 11^th September 2025, the Seychelles Fisheries Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, inaugurated the Glacis Gear Stores. It was the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr. Jean François Ferrari, and the Member of National Assembly (MNA) for Glacis district Honourable Regina Esparon, who unveiled a commemorative plaque, marking a new chapter for local fishermen and boat owners.

The project, which broke ground in February 2024, was developed to address the long-standing need for proper storage facilities in the district. Previously, fishermen relied on makeshift shacks constructed from corrugated iron to store their fishing gear and equipment, an arrangement that was often inadequate and exposed their gear to the elements. The new facility now provides a safe, modern, and suitable space for the 46 registered fishers and boat owners within the district.

Despite facing some delays due to unforeseen additional ground improvement work, the project was completed successfully and within the allocated budget. Valued at 3.5 million rupees, the new gear store complex comprises 13 individual storage units, a fish bin area, toilets, boundary walls, fencing, an access driveway, and all necessary groundwork to ensure durability and functionality.

During his opening remarks, Minister Ferrari thanked the SFA Project team and other partners who worked tirelessly on this project. “It wasn’t an easy project. We had to conduct negotiations to acquire the necessary land with the nearby landowner, which wasn’t always easy, and we had to do extensive ground improvement work, but with perseverance and persistence, we were able to deliver today,” he said.

Mr. Andre Barbier, one of the 46 registered boat owners and fishers set to benefit from this facility, has been fishing for over 42 years. He expressed his gratitude to the authorities and their partners for bringing this project to fruition and encouraged his colleagues to make good use of the facility. “I am very happy that we have finally received the long-awaited facility. Now that we have this beautiful store, I would like to ask all fishers to maintain it well and keep it clean so that it can benefit us for years to come,” he said.

Funded by the European Union under the 2020-2026 EU-Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, this infrastructure stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices while supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen. The new gear store enhances the capacity of the fishing community in Glacis, enabling them to work more efficiently and protect their valuable equipment, thus fostering greater sustainability and economic growth in the district.

The inauguration was not just a celebration of infrastructure but a reaffirmation of commitment to the development of the fisheries sector in Seychelles, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and community empowerment.