Angola
Angola (population 8.8 million, area 1,246,000 sq.km) is classified into five major agro-ecological zones:
Prior to Angola's independence, a few fish farms were established in the Malanje hinterland and the central plateau. Government fish farms were built in seven provinces. There are no records from the stations or the farms. In 1977 introduction of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were attempted, without success. In March 1992 five undrainable ponds were stocked with tilapia obtained from a nearby river just north of Luanda. There is no further information on ongoing inland aquaculture in the country.
There are five major areas for inland fisheries:
The present level of exploitation is unknown.
The total potential is approximately 45000 – 60000 t/yr.
A Government policy was proposed in 1992. The aquaculture objectives were to improve the supply of protein in inland areas, increase rural income, create employment and possibly generate export income. The policy has not been further elaborated.
Botswana
Botswana (population: 950 000, area 582000 sq.km) is divided into 8 agricultural zones, seven of which are semi-arid and one arid. The altitude is 700 to 1200 m. The rainfall varies between 300 – 650 mm per year.
There are reported to be 80 indigenous species in the Okavango delta. Of the indigenous tilapia species Oreochromis andersonii, O. macrochir, Tilapia rendalli, and T. psarmanni have potential for aquaculture, as well as the introduced Cyrpinus carpio and O. mosaambicus. Fifteen species have been caught in the southeastern small dams.
There is no aquaculture in Botswana.
During 1967 – 69 and later fingerlings were imported to stock dams.
A recent inventory has shown that there are 303 small (less than 20 ha) reservoirs with a total area of 535 ha and six larger dams with a total area of 304 ha.
The fisheries in the Okavango delta employ some 250 full-time and 1000 part-time fishermen. The total catch is estimated at 1900 t/yr (1988), out of a potential yield of 10000 t/yr. Fisheries has also been initiated on four of the larger dams (8 licences). There is no information about production.
The Fisheries Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the administration and development of fisheries. The unit has focused its activities, besides exploitation of the Okavango potentials on assessment and exploitation of the resources in the small water bodies in southeastern Botswana. There are no hatchery or research facilities for fish farming in Botswana.
Lesotho
Lesotho, (population of 1,6 million and an area of 30350 sq km) is divided into four zones or regions for fish farming purposes
the mountain area. This area is suitable for trout (both rainbow and brown trout) culture and trout fishing in streams. When the Lesotho Highland Water Project is completed, the dams could be used for cage culture of trout.
the lower mountain area is also suitable for rainbow trout culture
the foothill zone waters are marginal for both trout and warmwater culture
the lowland waters are suitable for temperate species and some warmwater species, like the local catfish, Clarias gariepinus. All attempts to introduce tilapia species have failed (Chondoma 1988).
There are nine indigenous species in Lesotho, of which only one, Clarias gariepinus, has been tested for culture. Others, like the bass, Micropterus salmonides, and the bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, occur in ponds with water from reservoirs. The introduced mirror carp, Cyprinus carpio, is the most widely used species for aquaculture. Attempts have also been made to introduce silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, and grass carp, Ctenopharyngdon idella. Experimental work has been done the culture of rainbow trout, with no commercial follow up.
Feasibility studies on commercial fish farming in Lesotho have given negative results; the cultured fish would not be able to compete on the market with imported seafish, and there have been doubts about the size of the market for larger scale operations.
Chondoma (1988) reported that there were 130 fish ponds with a total area of 30 ha operated by village fish associations, involving 29 villages in the lowland. Of the 130 ponds, 48 were not operating and 8 operated only partly. The ponds had been established with assistance from projects funded by ODA, OXFAM, UNICEF and Food for Work Programme. There were also 10 individual farmers operating ponds of a total of 10 ha. These farmers were engaged in fish-cum-duck production.
Mofolo et.al. (1989) said that the production had declined from 20 t/yr during the 1970s to 8 t/yr during the late 1980s.
Approximately 15 ha out of 200 ha reservoirs in the lowlands had been stocked in 1988. Little fishing, besides sport fishing, is reported from streams and reservoirs (Sen, 1990).
The Fishery Section operates a fish culture station in Maseru, which has been upgraded for fish-cum-duck production, with hatcheries for both fish and duck.
There is no legislation covering aquaculture and reservoir fisheries. The Government of Lesotho has requested and FAO approved a TCP-project to assist elaborate legislation.
The Fisheries Section has given priority to fish-cum-duck culture and to assessing the potential for reservoir fisheries.
Malawi
Malawi (population 9 million, area 118480 sq.km, of which 94080 sq.km is land) is divided into four main physiographic zones:
Rainfall distribution is strongly related to topography. Highlands and exposed slopes receive high rainfall. More than 90% of the land area receives more than 800 mm, while some mountain areas get 1800 mm.
All-year culture of tilapia is possible in areas below 600 m, where the temperature is above 22°C. Temperatures in the Rift Valley Escarpment are suited for temperate species like common carp. This is the largest area. The area above 2000 m is suitable for cold water species such as trout. Most of the suitable areas for aquaculture fall within the watershed of Lake Malawi, and the Government of Malawi restricts the use of introduced species for conservation purposes.
Malawi is well known for its diversity of Lake Malawi cichlids. More than 500 species have been recorded. The main indigenous species used in aquaculture are the chambo, Oreochromis shiranus chilwae. Tilapia rendalli and O. mossambicus are also in common use. Clarias gariepinus and Serranochromis robustus have been used in polyculture (Balarin, 1987).
Eight species have been introduced. The common carp is the most widely used of these. The use of carp is restricted to river systems downstream of Lake Malawi. The first exotics to be introduced were Salmo gairdineri and Salmo trutta.
Considerable variation exists in the reported aquaculture production in Malawi. In 1983 it was reported to be 93 t/yr from 319 smallholder ponds and 26 ha of estate ponds. Msiska (1988) reported 60 to 120 t/yr from 582 ponds. ICLARM/GTZ (1991) estimates the production from commercial operations at 67 t/yr from 23 ha. In Northern Region there were 1000 small holder ponds, which fell into disrepair. However, during the last few years, pond culture has increased again. Bandula 1993 (pers. com.) report 1934 aquaculture units with 2907 ponds covering 125 ha with a production of 156t/yr.
Malawi has well-developed inland fisheries on the main lakes producing 60000 to 70000 t/yr from 25000 sq.km of inland waters. The main lakes are Lake Malawi, Lake Chilwa, Lake Chiuta, and Lake Malombe. The most important commercial species are the tilapias, with some 40% of the catch, catfish (25%), mixed Haplochromis (20%) and Engraulicypris (4%).
There are an estimated 700 – 800 reservoirs covering 1000 ha, estimated to produce 100 – 200 t/yr.
Malawi has a good infrastructure for fisheries and aquaculture administration and development. The Department of Fisheries operates 12 aquaculture stations and substations with more than 180 fish ponds altogether. Fisheries and aquaculture training is provided by the Department of Fisheries and the Bunda College of Agriculture. Research has been done on 30 indigenous species for culture.
Mozambique
Mozambique (population 16 million, area 783000 sq.km) is divided into three main climatic zones
About 80% of Mozambique lies in the semi-arid tropics, which constitute the primary dry-land agricultural belt.
There are about 100 species of freshwater fish in Mozambique. At present O. mosaambicus, Tilapia rendalli, O. niloticus and common carp are cultured.
Namphulo (1987) estimated the total fish culture production at 18 t/yr. Aquaculture was introduced in 1952 and had spread to all 10 provinces in 1965. However, aquaculture activities virtually ceased between 1972 and 1984. Since then aquaculture stations (three) have been rehabilitated and extension work initiated on a low level.
The Department of Aquaculture in the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for administration and development of inland aquaculture.
Namibia
Namibia (population 1,8 million, area 824292 sq.km) is largely a semi-arid plateau and desert (97% of the country), the rest along the northern border is sub-tropical. The rainfall varies from virtually zero in the Namibia Desert to around 600 mm in the northern regions. The country is divided into seven agricultural zones
Ovamboland. Mixed subsistence farming with dryland cultivation and stock rearing. This zone has a potential for aquaculture utilizing the many ashanas. The soils are mainly sandy.
Kavangoland. Mixed subsistence farming with dryland production of maize combined with livestock.
Caprivi.Eastern Caprivi good water resources and suitable sils for dryland cultivation.
Damaraland. Desert and semi-desert used for extensive cattle farming.
Hereoland. Cattle rearing area focused on southern and eastern parts of the zone.
Rohoboth. 90% of the water used for agriculture is coming from boreholes.
Namaland. Livestock and smallstock rearing. Acute water shortage.
Of the indigenous species, Tilapia spp. and catfish, Clarias gariepinus seem to be the most suitable for farming.
The areas with potential for small-scale pond culture are Ovambo, Kavango, and Caprivi strip. Sandy soils are a problem in Ovambo. In the Caprivi strip there is good access to fish from capture fisheries.
In Hardap Dam there is a commercial cage culture operation (8 cages) producing bream.
In the central and southern part of the country there are 17 larger dams with approximately 8000 ha, with potential for culture based fisheries and intensive cage culture.
The Ministry of Fisheries operates a research station at Hardap Dam, which besides the research is producing 500000 tilapia and 50000 catfish fingerlings annually for stocking of dams and reservoirs. The Ministry of Rural Development runs a station for production of fingerlings at the Rural Development Centre of Onwengadiva.
Namibia's marine waters are highly productive. Most parts of the country enjoy easy access to marine fish. The pelagics, horse and chubb mackerel, are low-value products, which will compete in the market with aquaculture products.
Swaziland
Swaziland (population 692000 (1987), area 17400 sq.km sq.km) is divided into five distinct belts running from north to south (Chondoma, 1988):
1400 m and rainfall of 1500 mm. The mean average maximum daily temperature varies between 20 and 25°C. The minimum temperature varies between 5 and 15°C, suitable for cold water species such as trout.
the Middleveld. Undulating landscape with altitudes between 300 and 1050 m. Rainfall 900 mm. The mean maximum daily temperature varies between 23 and 28°C and the minimum between 8 and 18°C. This zone is suitable for temperate species such as carp and the local catfish, which has an effective growth period of 9 months per year.
the Lowveld. Gently undulating landscape. Altitudes between 150 and 300 m. Rainfall 550 mm. The mean maximum daily temperature varies between 26 and 32°C, the minimum temperature between 7 and 21°C. This zone is suitable for warm water species such as tilapia, although with a 2 – 3 months non-productive period. This zone has a large number of irrigation schemes which could integrate commercial production of fish.
the Lubombo region. A narrow plateau in the eastern part of the country. The altitude rises from the lowveld up to 770 m. The average altitude is 600 m. Rainfall 600 mm. The maximum daily temperature varies between 22 and 27°C, the minimum temperature between 10 and 16°C. This zone is suitable for all-year production of temperate species such as carp and catfish, and for warm water tilapia during 9 – 10 months per year.
Swaziland is fairly rich in water resources, being traversed by five large river systems and with sufficient rainfall for agriculture in the highveld and middleveld. The water quality is generally good for fish farming, but the potential for rainfed fish ponds is limited to the highveld and middleveld.
There are 35 recorded indigenous and six introduced fish species. Of the indigenous species Tilapia, Sarotherodon mossambicus, Clarias gariepinus, Barbus, and Labeo are important in capture fisheries. Indigenous species with fish farming potential are Tilapia rendalli, Sarotherodon mossambicus, and Clarias gariepinus. Among the exotics Cyprinus carpio and Salmo gairdneri have good potential for fish farming.
Fish farming is little developed in the country. Chondoma (1988) estimated that there were/had been 800 productive family ponds with a total area of 8 – 16 ha. Hlanze and Msibi (1987) reported 100 family ponds. The Fisheries Section found 161 productive ponds in its 1989 sampling. The cyclone Domaina in 1984 destroyed an unknown number of family ponds. Aquaculture production was estimated at 50 t/yr in 1982 and 19 t/yr in 1987.
Small-scale commercial trout farming was carried out by “a few” individuals and forest farms in the highveld. Sugarcane companies have shown interest in setting up tilapia farms. How far they have gone is not known.
Capture fisheries are unimportant in Swaziland. Small-scale capture fisheries have developed around man-made irrigation dams and reservoirs. Chondoma (1988) reports that the number of fishing groups has declined since the 1970s. FAO estimated in 1984 the annual catch to be in the order of 100 t/yr. Msibi and Aphane (1989) reported the annual catch to be 108 t/yr. The potential yield from the reservoirs is estimated at 215 – 280 t/yr.
The Fisheries Section under the Department of Agriculture Extension in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is responsible for the administration and development of capture fisheries and aquaculture. One Fisheries Assistant Officer is posted in each of the regions. There are three hatcheries, two in the Highveld, which were reported non-operational in 1989. The hatchery in the Lowveld (Nyetane Fish Hatchery) was destroyed in the 1984 cyclone. Attempts to rehabilitate Nyetane were initiated in 1991.
Swaziland has good access to imported sea fish, mainly from South Africa, which affects the economic viability of fish farming.
Tanzania
Tanzania (population 23,2 million and area 945 200 sq.km) was tentatively divided into zones for fish farming purposes (Balarin, 1985):
Rainfall varies between 0 – 500 mm and above 1500 mm annually, with the rainfall highest in coastal and mountain areas and moderate rainfall also in the southern and western parts of the plateau. A large part of the central and northern regions are unlikely to have perennial streams and rivers. In these areas numerous reservoirs have been built offering an (unknown) potential for culture based fisheries and fish farming integrated with irrigation schemes.
Tanzania's aquaculture potential was estimated to be 10 000 existing ponds (1000 ha), 3000 ha of small reservoirs and 40000 larger reservoirs, with a large scope for development of additional ponds and utilization of coastal areas for aquaculture (Ibrahim, 1975, quoted by Balarin, 1985). There were Government fish farms in 15 regions. However, the number of ponds has gone down in most regions. Mafwenga (1993) reports that there are now four active fish farming regions--Ruvuma (4960 ponds), Mbeya (850 ponds), Iringa (753 ponds), Arusha (700 ponds) and Lindi (63 ponds). In Morogoro Region which in 1981 had 565 ponds, the number has dropped to some 300 ponds, most in a bad condition. Kagera Region, with 950 ponds in 1976 has none today. The statistical information is incomplete and scanty. An ALCOM-supported survey in Ruvuma Region in 1992 estimated that there were 2000 households with 3000 operational ponds. The increases in numbers are closely associated with external inputs to support extension. The general trend has been decreasing from mid-1970 until mid-1980 when the number of fish ponds started to increase, then again to decrease in the beginning of the 1990s.
There are no reliable production data. Balarin (1985) estimated the production from fish farming at 800 – 1500 t/yr. Mafwenga (1993) estimates the production in the active fish farming regions at 1600 t/yr. Other estimates during the 1980s were, however, as low as 200 – 400 t/yr. For example Lema (1988 reports a total production of 375 tons from 5000 ponds.
The Department of Fisheries is coordinating and administering aquaculture on the national level. There is considerable autonomy for regions to implement their own plans and projects for aquaculture development.
There is no information available on exploitation of small water bodies in the country.
Zambia
Zambia (population 8 million, area 750000 sq.km) is situated on a plateau varying between 1000 and 1500 m. The climate is sub-tropical with distinct seasons. Zambia is divided into agro-ecological zones, on the basis of rainfall:
High rainfall areas (more than 1000 mm per year, 46% of the area) in Northwestern, Copperbelt, Luapula, and Northern Provinces.
Medium rainfall areas (800 – 1000 mm per year, 12% of the country) in the Eastern parts of Western Province and main parts of Southern, Central and Eastern provinces.
Low rainfall areas (less than 800 mm, 42% of the area) in the western part of the Western Province, the southern border to Zimbabwe and stretching into Central and Eastern Provinces)
The mean national air temperature is 26 – 32 degrees C during the hot season (September – November) and 15 – 32 degrees C, during the winter.
Inland water fisheries in Zambia produce 53000 t/yr (1991), which is widely distributed over the country, although with a marketing focus on the populous Copperbelt Province.
The main species used in fish farming are local species of tilapia; Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis andersonii, and O. macrochir. To some extent, indigenous species such as catfish, are being cultured. Introduced species are common carp, Cyprinus carpio, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Oreochromis niloticus. One farm uses crayfish, Procambarus clarkii.
Fish farming started in the 1940s. In 1966 there were 1231 ponds producing 88 tons; production increased to 750 tons in 1985 (86 tons from small-scale farmers, 94 tons by Government stations and 570 tons from large scale farmers). By 1990 the production was estimated at 2000 tons (350 tons from small producers, 150 tons from Government stations, and 1500 tons from large-scale producers).
Maguswi (1993) calculates that there are more than 4200 farmers in Zambia with 10 400 ponds, covering a total area of 1500 ha. Based on these figures, rural small-scale production should be in the order of 1000 t/yr, that is the average per caput consumption of fish in the country for almost 100 000 people. The main fish farming areas are Northwestern (1300 farmers), Northern (1000), Luapula (more than 700) and Eastern (425). The number of small-scale farmers taking up subsistence, extensive fish farming has increased rapidly over the last five years in these provinces.
In addition to small-scale producers, there are 20 commercial large-scale fish farms, producing mainly bream.
Zambia has numerous reservoirs, mainly in Eastern (300) and Southern Provinces. These are in some cases heavily fished, but are believed to have a good potential for increased production provided suitable management is introduced.
The Department of Fisheries with its central and provincial set-up, is responsible for the administration and development of aquaculture. It has recently established collaboration with agriculture extension systems (in three provinces on a trial basis) to increase the impact of extension. The department has 19 Government Fish Farms as centres for extension, research, production of fingerlings and table size fish for sale. While some of the stations (most of them built during the 1960s) have been rehabilitated, several others face severe constraints.
Zambia's National Development Plans give priority to aquaculture development, since the capture fisheries are believed to be fully exploited or close to full exploitation. The plans focus on self-sufficiency in food production.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe (population 10 million, area 391 000 sq.km) is divided into five natural regions:
Natural region 1. This region is characterized by high rainfall, 900 to 1000 mm per year. It's a specialized and diversified farming region
Natural region 2(a). High rainfall, 750 to 1000 mm, confined to the summer months. Intensive farming region.
Natural region 2(b). Similar to 2(A) but with more severe dry spells during the rainy season or relatively short rainy season.
Natural region 3. Moderate rainfall, 650 to 800 mm. Semi-intensive farming region.
Natural region 4. Fairly low rainfall, 450 to 600 mm. semi-intensive farming region.
Natural region 5. Low and erratic rainfall, less than 650 mm per year. Extensive farming region.
In Zimbabwe, the Eastern Highlands (mainly natural region 1) are suited for cold water species (e.g. trout), while the lowland Zambezi and Limpopo Valleys are the warmest and ideal for tilapia culture. Approximately 22% of Zimbabwe is likely to have a mean water temperature above 22°C, permitting year-round production of warm water species, such as tilapia. The greater portion of the country, some 46%, bordering the central highlands, is subject to cold spells and has a two-three month non-productive period. Temperate species like carp are better suited to this area. In the Central Highlands, semi-intensive systems could alternatively produce warm and cool water fish, using overwintering facilities. This area is close to main markets and has attracted considerable interest in fish farming.
Of the indigenous species, the tilapias (O. mossambicus, O. macrochir, O. andersonii, and T. rendalli) and Clarias gariepinus are being cultured. Of the introduced species, O. niloticus and Salmo gardineri (trout) are farmed. Other exotics have mainly been used for stocking dams for angling or extensive aquaculture.
An Agritex census revealed 1798 rural small scale farmers with 2203 fish ponds in 1991. The number is believed to have risen to almost 3000 ponds in 1993. The fish farms are mainly found in Natural Regions 2,3, and 4. Some 60% of the farmers were also engaged in horticulture. Ninety per cent of the ponds were located in communal areas, nine per cent in resettlement areas. Close to 60% of the ponds had been stocked after 1988, indicating the rapid expansion of rural subsistence-oriented fish farming.
Commercial-scale fish farming is also practised in Zimbabwe. Some five farms in the Eastern Highlands produce trout for the domestic market and for export. There are six large-scale bream farms, mainly producing for the domestic market.
Fish farming, both commercial and subsistence, was hit by drought during the 1991/92 season.
Zimbabwe has an estimated 10000 – 12000 reservoirs of varying sizes, built for irrigation, water, and hydroelectric power. Of these, more than 2000 are located in communal areas. While the larger reservoirs sustain commercial fisheries, most reservoirs are fished mainly for subsistence, with 50% of the fish being caught by women. Many reservoirs dried up during the drought, and Agritex started a restocking programme in 1992, which will continue during 1993.
Recent changes in economic policy and a more liberal trade regime have affected fish farming and capture fisheries. Increasing amounts of both high and low-value fish species are being imported from Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa. The imports are pushing down the prices of fish produced in the country; difficulties in selling the produce have been reported.
Responsibilities for fisheries and aquaculture administration and development are split between Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management and Agritex (the extension wing of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement), with unclear division of tasks. There are three major Government stations (Fisheries Section at Henderson Research Station, Lake McIlwayne Fisheries Research Station at Lake Chivero, and Nyanga Trout Research Station in Eastern Highlands). The private sector, through the Trout Producers Association, runs a research station for trout in Eastern Highlands. There are also research stations operated by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management, in Midlands, Masvingo and Matabeleland Provinces.
The Government of Zimbabwe has requested FAO assistance with a fisheries sector study to help elaborate comprehensive policies and plans.
Angola
Angola's coastline is 1600 km. Due to the cold Benguela current and associated upwelling, Angola has a large potential for fisheries, estimated at some 700 000 tons a year. The potential consists mainly of pelagic species such as horse mackerel, sardines and tuna.
There are no known mariculture activities in Angola.
This section will be updated after the planned mariculture mission.
Namibia
Namibia's coastline is 1500 km long and its continental shelf area 110000 sq.km. The waters are enriched with upwelling and the cold Benguela current. The potential has been estimated at 1 – 1,5 million tons per year; 300 000 – 400 000 tonnes a year each of pilchard, hake and horse mackerel, the rest made up of sole, snoek, tuna, crabs, rock lobsters etc.
The mariculture sector is characterized by corporate operations and there are no small-scale producers. Mid-1993, there were five mariculture enterprises.
Trials on seaweed by a private company started in 1990. It operates 4 ha with an adapted version of the floating culture method. It cultures Gracilaria verrucosa, and has achieved a higher agar content (23%) than in naturally harvested seaweed in the area (16%). It has determined that the production costs are lower from culture than from wild harvest.
There are four active commercial oyster farms producing mainly Crassostrea gigas and on an experimental basis Mytilus edulis in one of the companies.
One company produces mussels, using the rope method.
Trials with shrimps, abalone and clams have not succeeded.
Two research stations have the capacity to do so : Luderitz Research Laboratory (seaweed and environmental monitoring) and Swakopmund Research Centre (environmental monitoring, mariculture in the future).
Mozambique
The coastline is 2500 km long. Marine fisheries plays an important role in the overall economy with shrimp accounting for 40% of the export earnings (1990).
There are no commercial shrimp culture operations at present. A pilot shrimp culture project has demonstrated shrimp culture and it is anticipated that the project will lead to commercial operations in the future. The Government has carried out a comprehensive survey of shrimp culture potential, revealing 18 000 ha close to the main coastal cities as physically suitable for shrimp culture. One commercial project has been approved for culture on 450 ha. It is expected to start during 1993.
The earlier harvest of wild seaweed has ceased and there is no seaweed culture. However, studies have shown a good potential for the resumption of seaweed collection and the start of culture. Entrepreneurs have expressed interest in seaweed culture, but proposals have as yet not been implemented.
Experiments were conducted (1978 – 79) on mussel culture at Inhaca with positive results but no commercial follow-up. Recent studies have identified suitable areas for mussel culture in Pemba Bay in Cabo Delgado province.
The Institute of Fisheries Research (IIP) was responsible for the previous research, and is engaged on the pilot shrimp project. The University of Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo, which has a research station on Inhaca, has research capabilities in mariculture.
Tanzania
Tanzania's coastline is 800 km, excluding Zanzibar and Pemba. The present marine fish catches amount to 47 000 t/yr.
Expansion of seaweed culture has been dramatic since 1989, when two commercial companies started promoting it. They provided extension services to private producers and bought their produce. By 1990 the number of farmers (an overwhelming majority of whom are women) had grown to 2000, producing 200 t wet weight of seaweed. In 1992 there were 15000 producers and the production was 5000 t (Msuya, 1993). The species used is Eucheuma spinosum (introduced from the Philippines). The production rates are estimated at 8,5 – 10 t/ha/yr. Seaweed is also farmed in smaller quantities on the islands of Pemba and Mafia but has not been established as yet on mainland Tanzania.
Shrimp trials have been conducted, but there has been no commercial follow-up. One large-scale project is in the pipeline, but when it will start is uncertain.
Culture of oyster and cockles has been tried without commercial application.
Cage culture of rabbit fish was tried, without success. Milkfish is farmed on pilot scale in three small tidal ponds.
Research facilities for mariculture exist at the Tanzanian Fisheries Research Institute and the Institute for Marine Sciences of the University of Dar-es-Salaam, located in Zanzibar.
