January 2, 2024

Zanzibar witnesses surge in fish catch and revenue under blue economy initiatives

Zanzibar, Republic of Tanzania, has reported a significant upswing in fish catch, soaring from 38,107 tonnes in 2020 to 80,000 tonnes in the current year, according to Tanzania's Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Suleiman Masoud Makame, Daily News reported.

Minister Makame highlighted the substantial achievements within the ministry, underscoring that the revenue generated from fish catch has also seen a remarkable increase, escalating from TZS 205.4 billion in 2020 to TZS 569.08 billion (US$226 million) in 2023. He credited these positive outcomes to the initiatives spearheaded by Tanzanian President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

He said that the contribution of the fisheries sector to the GDP has surged from 4.5% in 2020 to 6.32% in 2022, showcasing the sector's growing significance.

With over 50,000 fishers contributing to the sector, Minister Makame highlighted an annual growth rate of 9%, particularly noting the transformative impact of reforms and an improved investment environment initiated by former Tanzanian Presidents Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Mwinyi.

The minister elaborated on the significant shift in deep-sea fishing, which witnessed a boost in productivity in 2021. Reforms and a conducive investment climate led to the registration of over 100 deep-sea fishing vessels, resulting in the capture of more than four thousand tuna fish. Notably, an agreement with Al-Bakora International deep-sea fishing company further strengthened this sector.

Seaweed farming and the aquaculture industry have become pivotal employers, engaging over 23,000 individuals, predominantly women. Minister Makame emphasised the substantial progress in seaweed production, rising from 8,785 tonnes valued at TZS 5.38 billion in 2020 to 16,653 tonnes worth TZS 16.35 billion (US$6.5 million) in 2023. Seaweed exports have also seen an uptick, climbing from 11,382 tonnes in 2020 to 12,563 tonnes this year.

Highlighting a significant milestone, Minister Makame noted the construction of a seaweed processing factory in Chamanangwe, Pemba, with an annual processing capacity of 30,000 tonnes and an expenditure exceeding TZS 8.5 billion (US$3.3 million). Additionally, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is funding the construction of another factory to process products from entrepreneurs and aquaculture farmers.

Commending the surge in projects, Minister Makame pointed out that when President Mwinyi assumed office in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there was only one fisheries and marine resources project valued at TZS 10 billion (US$3.9 million). Presently, the ministry oversees 17 projects valued at TZS 227.5 billion (US$90.4 million), a testament to the concerted efforts of Presidents Samia and Mwinyi. The projects encompass fishing, seaweed farming, aquaculture, fish markets, docking areas, marine conservation, research, and oil and natural gas exploration.

-      Daily News