Tanzania adopt climate-friendly tech for fisheries

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is set to learn various technologies compatible with climate change from developed countries in a move aimed at boosting small-scale fishermen so they can reap more from seafood products and lakes.

The country is hosting the 8th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries from the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) from September 9-13 this year, with representatives from 78 member states participating.

The event gathers ministers, senior officials, and key stakeholders from OACPS member states and regions to address critical global and regional policy matters, including fisheries and aquaculture, ocean governance, and the blue economy.

“At this meeting, our main agenda is to explore how we can assist the small fishermen, who make up 95 percent of the fishing community in the country.

We will use this opportunity to learn about technologies and share knowledge with colleagues who have made progress in the sector,” said the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Mr Abdallah Ulega.

Mr Ulega told journalists shortly after the official opening of the technical committee of the 18th OACPS ministers’ meeting that since 95 percent of Tanzanian fishermen are small-scale, the discussions will focus on advancing their practices to modern fishing methods to increase production and raise the income of individuals and the nation as a whole.

“There are countries whose economies heavily depend on the sea and who have invested in various technologies, such as cage fishing.

We will exchange experiences with these countries to understand their successes and limitations, so we can address our challenges and strengthen our nation’s capabilities,” he said.

In another development, the government will start using drone technology to combat illegal fishing during the fiscal year 2024/25. This initiative aims to continue the fight against piracy.

He noted that as global technology advances, the use of drones will help reduce the costs associated with patrolling by officers fighting against illegal fishing practices.

“Instead of having officers constantly patrolling and using public funds, we can utilise drones to gather information on illegal fishing areas,” he said.

He said that currently, the contribution of the fishing sector in the country is 1.9 percent, while the goals are more than three percent by 2030.

OACPS Assistant Secretary General Ms Cristelle Pratt congratulated members who participated in the event, saying it’s important for the improvement of the fishing sector.