Fisheries Sector Master Plan (2021/22–2036/37).

This Fisheries Sector Master Plan (FSMP) is a nationwide sectoral document that updates the first Master Plan of 2002 and, unlike the first, it places equal emphasis on the two sub-sectors of fisheries which are (i) capture fisheries and (ii) aquaculture. The main objectives of the new Master Plan are (i) to provide an overall strategic framework and guidance for the long-term, sustainable management, and development of fisheries and aquaculture in mainland Tanzania; (ii) to improve the governance and management of fisheries and aquaculture for its sustainable development; (iii) to be a link to other national strategies and reforms aimed at securing national and household food and nutritional security, reducing poverty, creating employment and improving the livelihoods of the fishing communities. The development of this FSMP was guided by the principles of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAF&A) which requires extensive consultations with many stakeholders from the outset of the process, especially in identifying the critical issues, prioritizing them, and proposing solutions. The document comprises 17 thematic areas, with capture fisheries consisting of 8 thematic areas and aquaculture 9 thematic areas. The capture fisheries thematic areas include: (i) maintenance of the ecological systems and biodiversity; (ii) improved research, monitoring and reporting system; (iii) empowerment of fishers and fish workers; (iv) institutional capacity building; (v) compliance and enforcement of management measures; (vi) fisheries infrastructure development; (vii) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and high seas fishing; and (viii) cross-cutting issues. While, the aquaculture thematic areas include: (i) supply of inputs for commercial aquaculture; (ii) improving research and training; (iii) improving extension services; (iv) post-harvest handling, value addition, and marketing of aquaculture products; (v) promoting investment; (vi) aquatic environmental health and spatial planning; (vii) aquaculture production technologies; (viii) ornamental fish culture and trade; and (ix) aquaculture cross-cutting issues.
To increase the overall fisheries production by at least 35%, as well as the volume of fish and fishery products processed and exported by 30%, the main measures proposed by the FSMP are (i) increasing of the fish production from EEZ, Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and minor waters; (ii) establishment and rehabilitation of the necessary infrastructure for the development of fisheries sector; (iii) reduction of anthropogenic impacts on the resources located within and adjacent to water bodies to increase their productivity; (iv) improvement of appropriate aquaculture technologies for fisheries industries; (v) increasing of the extension service including fisheries research, monitoring programs and information dissemination systems.
As for food-related and nutrition item, the document envisages an increased investment in fisheries infrastructures for handling, processing, storage and marketing to reduce post-harvest loss and application of appropriate technologies for value addition. The improvement achieved through a better production will consequently impact also on the food security.
In the field of environmental protection, main interventions are aimed at (i) improving the maintenance of fish biodiversity and ecosystems through applied research and technology; (ii) strengthening and applying in all water bodies the ecosystem approach in the fisheries management and spatial planning; (iii) strengthening the management of aquatic ecological systems and their processes to reduce the decline in the quantity of fish and fish species; (iv) implementing an environmentally friendly beach use and waste management programs around the landing sites; (v) maintaining an ecological balance to stocks so that they continue producing Maximum Sustainable Yields (MSYs); (vi) strengthening fisheries data collection, information management systems, and research for informed decisions; (vi) preventing illegal, un-reported and un-regulated (IUU) fishing; (vii) ensuring that mitigation and adaptation strategies for reducing the effects of climate change and variability are in place and implemented accordingly.
To enhance a more inclusive economic and social growth, the Master Plan aims at achieving the overall fisheries sector growth and an increase in its contribution to the GDP of 10% per annum, including through (i) investment funds and financing mechanisms for supporting the growth of small-scale fishers and the development of small holder aquaculture enterprises; (ii) the empowerment of fishers and fish workers regarded as an incentive to fishing communities for easing pressure on resources and to continue participating in their management; (iii) the support to fishers and other actors to access reliable markets along the value chain; (iv) a strengthened information system on the availability of markets; (iv) reduction of the dependence on fisheries resources by local communities by introducing alternative activities for getting livelihoods; (v) the development and implementation of appropriate strategies for involving the youth, women and marginalized groups at different levels of management; (vi) enhanced social protection, safety at sea and a decent working conditions scheme for fishers and fish workers; (vii) enhanced social services for sustainable development of fisheries sector, including clean water supply and schools in remote areas.
As for Governance, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is responsible for implementing this Plan, along with the principal stakeholders, with the aid of a concerned committee responsible for it. Furthermore, it is deemed necessary to strengthen fisheries management, research, training, and co-management institutions to ensure effective development of the sector, as well as support the related infrastructure development.