New aquaculture technologies for farming hybrid tilapia and crabs in marine waters are creating promising opportunities for expanding fisheries markets and boosting Tanzania’s blue economy.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries responsible for Fisheries, Mohammed Ali Sheikh, said the innovations are helping increase production while opening access to both domestic and international markets for fisheries products.
Speaking on February 28, 2026 during a visit to the Tanga Fish Aqua aquaculture farm in Tanga Region, Prof. Sheikh said the introduction of modern sea cage technology for cultivating crabs and hybrid tilapia has begun to transform fish farming in coastal areas.
He explained that the technology involves raising aquatic species in cages made from plastic boxes placed in marine waters, allowing farmers to rear crabs and hybrid tilapia efficiently while increasing production levels.
“Crabs and hybrid tilapia can grow well in sea water, and this presents a major opportunity for citizens because it opens markets both locally and internationally. This will help improve individual incomes and strengthen the national economy,” he said.
Prof. Sheikh noted that crab farming is already showing strong economic potential, with a kilogram of crab selling between TZS25,000 and TZS30,000, making the venture attractive for small-scale farmers and investors.
He said the farming method does not require highly complex technology, noting that the infrastructure involved is relatively simple and affordable.
According to him, farmers can use basic ponds or cages and harvest their produce within a relatively short period.
However, he acknowledged that many people interested in marine aquaculture still lack knowledge about the technology and farming techniques.
He therefore emphasized the importance of providing education and training to encourage wider adoption of modern aquaculture practices.
Prof. Sheikh added that the Tanga Fish Aqua farm has become an important learning centre where farmers can observe and learn practical skills in crab and marine fish farming.
The government, he said, is considering formalising the site as a demonstration and training farm to support aquaculture development in the region.
He also noted that the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated funds through the Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme to support youth engaging in aquaculture and other productive economic activities.
The deputy permanent secretary urged officials and institutions under the ministry to focus on practical implementation rather than theoretical approaches in order to accelerate transformation in the fisheries sector.
As part of these efforts, he said the government is promoting marine cage farming of three fish fingerling species mwatiko, kolekole and hybrid tilapia which will be produced at aquaculture centres managed by the ministry to increase fish production and expand opportunities in the fisheries value chain.