THE government has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing education in aquaculture, with a focus on increasing production of crabs and sea cucumbers.

Dr Nazael Madalla, director of aquaculture at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries made the statement yesterday during the opening of a five-day training programme that brought together 40 youth in the fishery sector.

The training, held at the Mbegani Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) in Bagamoyo, Coast Region, focuses on advanced aquaculture techniques, including the production of sea cucumbers.

Dr Madalla said that the urgency of the initiative was in response to data indicating a significant decline in natural fishery practices worldwide.

“The market for certain aquatic species such as tilapia and crabs faces challenges. Tilapia is often affected by cultural preferences as some people avoid fish without scales. Although there is a market for crabs, current standards for production need improvement,” he said.

“We will establish two big centres for sea cucumber production. We want to increase efforts to boost productivity of these important marine organisms, strengthen value chains and improve access to international markets.”

According to 2022 statistics, aquaculture accounted for 51 percent of global fish consumption. Tanzania aims to achieve 10 percent of its fish production from aquaculture in the near future, Dr Madalla said.

Lucka Mgwena, the training coordinator explained that the training will help the young graduates to identify sector opportunities and create their own employment.

“Participants will gain practical skills in production, management and market research for aquatic products, all aimed at advancing commercial aquaculture,” Mgwena said.

The training is funded by the Africa Centre of Excellence in Aquaculture and Fisheries (AQUAFISH) of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) under the Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project (ACE II).