Micheweni residents appeal for fisheries training college

PEMBA: RESIDENTS of Shanake Shehia in Micheweni District, Pemba, have appealed to the government to establish a fisheries training college in their area to equip them with professional fishing skills instead of relying on traditional methods.

They said fishing is their main economic activity and source of income, and with proper training, they could engage in modern, sustainable fishing practices.

Speaking to the media in their villages, the residents said if they receive training, illegal fishing could be eliminated across Pemba Island.

“We inherited fishing from our forefathers, but we have no technical knowledge — that’s why illegal fishing continues. Some of us don’t even know how to swim when accidents occur at sea,” they said.
Resident Mussa Hamad Hija said fishing remains their most loved occupation because it sustains their families, although they still use traditional methods.

“If a fisheries college is built in our Shehia, income will increase because we’ll learn to fish responsibly—catching mature fish only and letting the young ones grow,” he said.

Yussuf Omar Faki added that while some fishers understand sustainable fishing practices, many others do not, leading to the depletion of small fish with little economic value.

“When my colleague catches small fish, I’m forced to do the same because there are no big ones left. We need proper training to avoid such destructive habits,” he said.

Ismail Haji Faki noted that a fisheries college would also teach fishers how to protect themselves from dangerous sea creatures that many currently do not recognize.

The area’s Deputy Sheha, Mkasha Shaame Mbwana, stressed that modern fishing knowledge is essential not only for fishers but also for seaweed farmers.

“A fisheries college will help people abandon outdated methods and adopt modern ones, including swimming lessons, which would also benefit seaweed farmers who often work in deep waters,” he explained.

Senior officer from the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Pemba, Dr Salim Mohamed Hamza, said the Government plans to build a fisheries college at Shumba Mjini, where land has already been acquired and compensation paid to residents.

“We’re in the process of bringing in a contractor to assess the site, likely next week. We urge residents to remain patient, the college will soon be constructed,” he said.

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Dr Hamza added that long- and short-term fishing courses are already available at the Daya Mtambwe Vocational Training Centre, and locals are encouraged to enrol while awaiting the new college.
“They can even form a group and come to our office, we’ll organize a special class and provide training that will benefit them greatly,” he added.

He urged residents to continue supporting the Government’s efforts, emphasizing its commitment to improving Pemba’s economy through the blue economy initiative.