Africa-Press – Tanzania. KIGOMA: THE Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) studies on Lake Tanganyika to identify suitable areas for introduction of cage fishing are underway.
Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI) will carry out SEA studies in Kigoma and Rukwa regions, according to the Chief Fisheries Officer from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Mr Ambakisye Simtoe (fisheries section).
He told the `Daily News’ that the SEA studies would be carried out in Rukwa and Katavi regions because the cage fishing farming is newly introduced.
According to him the shallow areas are suitable for introduction of cage fish farming compared to deep waters. He further said that the SEA studies are carried out ahead of suspension of fishing activities on Lake Tanganyika that will last three months from May 15, this year.
“After TAFRI studies the two regions will be awarded SEA certificates… cage fish farming is of great importance as it would open a new chapter and boost Rukwa and Katavi regions’ economy during the period of fishing activities suspension and after the suspension, he said. He explained that cage fishing is a big opportunity where people could improve their livelihoods. “Fish farming is an occupation which can rapidly make Rukwa and Katavi farmers combat poverty and hunger. Also, fish breeding is less demanding economic venture, which any willing people can undertake” he explained.
It was further established that farmers could double their income through aquaculture following a scientific report that a farmer could earn up to 20m/- a year,” he said.
Aquaculture is of very high value and farmers are encouraged to adopt cage pen-based aquaculture because Rukwa and Katavi have big potential.
Aquaculture in Tanzania is dominated by freshwater fish farming, in which small-scale farmers practice both extensive and semi-intensive fish farming. Small fish ponds of an average size of 10 m x 15 m (150 m2) are integrated with other agricultural activities such as gardening and animal and bird production on small pieces of land.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
