Exhibition showcases importance of tuna |03 May 2018

During yesterday’s exhibition, people could see IOT products which are not being sold in Seychelles

An exhibition was organised yesterday to showcase the importance of the different tuna fish species in ensuring  food security, employment for many of our people in its fishing and value-addition sector, the role it plays in the development of our economy and efforts underway to protect its stock through sustainable fishing. 

The exhibition hosted at the STC’s Club 55 was organised by the blue economy department as part of activities to mark World Tuna Day yesterday, May 2.

Chrissant Barbé, principal policy analyst from the blue economy department, stated that the exhibition was to promote the importance of tuna in our waters, in our economy and as a source of food.

“Tuna plays a vital role in our economy and also creates job opportunities for several Seychellois. The tuna fishing industry is a young industry which has seen rapid developments over the years,” he said, noting that there is a lot to showcase.

The Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT) was also present at the exhibition to promote the different products it makes from the tuna fish and an enthusiastic group of visitors were keen to taste and buy canned tuna products which were selling at promotional prices which varied from R11 to R36 per can, and R234 to R720 per carton.

IOT’s communication and event manager Maureen Nibourette pointed out that the exhibition allowed IOT to advertise its products, which are not being sold in Seychelles.

“Many people were really eager to taste our tuna products and availed of the chance to buy different varieties at affordable prices. Many school children had also turned up to satisfy their taste buds from a variety of the best tuna products,” she said.

Senior coordinator for external relations at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) Murla Gabriel said the    exhibition allowed them an opportunity to promote the different ways of cooking tuna dishes.

She pointed out that with the help of their esteemed partner, the ISPC, the STA had prepared a variety of tuna snacks and other dishes for lunch which people were able to taste as well.

Other organisations present at the exhibition were the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA), the ISPC, the blue economy department, Oceanaire Seafood among others.