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Description

The proposed project aims to establish and operate a pilot research-based sea cage fish farm in Zanzibar to demonstrate environmentally responsible marine aquaculture practices and provide a foundation for scaling up cage fish farming. Zanzibar’s growing population, expanding tourism industry, and increasing demand for fish are placing pressure on capture fisheries, which are constrained by overfishing, destructive fishing practices, habitat degradation, and climate change. Marine cage farming offers a promising solution due to Zanzibar’s extensive coastline, suitable oceanographic conditions, and availability of sheltered coastal areas. Previous feasibility assessments have confirmed the high potential of Zanzibar’s coastal waters for sustainable sea cage farming. The project will establish two HDPE sea cages and conduct research and monitoring on fish growth, feeding, health, production performance, and environmental impacts. It will also build practical skills among researchers, fisheries officers, youth, and coastal communities through hands-on training, while creating opportunities for employment, income generation, and private-sector investment. The project is aligned with Zanzibar’s Blue Economy Policy and Strategy, Fisheries Policy, Fisheries Master Plan, Aquaculture Development Strategy, and ZADEP 2021–2026. Expected results include increased sustainable fish production, improved food and nutritional security, enhanced technical capacity, improved coastal livelihoods, reduced pressure on wild fish stocks, increased investor confidence, and strengthened environmental sustainability. The estimated project cost is TZS 1.5 billion, covering cage equipment, fish juveniles, feed, an operational boat, technical expertise, labor, and other operational requirements, with funding expected from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Activities

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