Tanzania pushes for modernized cage fish farming around Lake Victoria

MWANZA: ALL cage fish farmers have been advised to use approved feed and follow expert advice to ensure the fish farming sector continues to be safe, productive and sustainable.

The call was made yesterday by the Head of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Ilemela Municipality, Mr Simon Langoi, during a meeting of the councilors of the Ilemela Municipal District Council.

He said the government continues to strengthen the management of fish farming activities by ensuring that farmers use food that meets quality standards to protect consumer health, the environment of Lake Victoria and increase productivity in production.

Langoi said the move is part of the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, where the government has put in place strong legal, institutional and professional systems to ensure that fish farming activities are carried out with food safety and environmental conservation in mind.

 He said the management is carried out in accordance with the Fisheries Act, Chapter 279, the Fisheries (Fish Farming) Regulations of 2024, the Standards Act, Chapter 130 and the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 191.

“Ilemela Municipality has a total of 267 fish farms in Lake Victoria as well as 47 fish farming ponds, with the use of quality and safe food being one of the important conditions for increasing productive production.” he said

He explained that the government through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the Office of the Chief Government Chemist, conducts inspections and testing of fish foods to ensure they meet quality standards and do not contain chemicals or ingredients that may endanger the health of consumers and the environment.

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‘”Regular inspections are carried out on producers, distributors and fish farmers, with legal action being taken against those found to be using or distributing foods that do not meet the established standards.”  he said.

Mr Langoi said fisheries experts continue to provide education and extension services to fish farmers on the use of approved feeds, best farming practices and proper cage management to protect fish health and the Lake Victoria environment.