The Government has announced plans to significantly increase fish fingerlings production from the current levels to between 200,000 and 300,000 per month by June 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening fish farming and improving livelihoods for citizens engaged in aquaculture across the country.
The directive was issued on April 14, 2026, by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (Fisheries), Prof. Mohammed Sheikh, during a working meeting held in Kigoma Region.
The meeting brought together officials from the Ministry and key fisheries institutions at the offices of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI).
Prof. Sheikh said the government’s focus is to ensure that fish farmers, especially those involved in cage farming, have reliable access to quality fingerlings to support productivity and income generation.
He stressed that increasing production is a strategic step toward expanding aquaculture opportunities, particularly around Lake Tanganyika.
He directed closer cooperation between the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) and TAFIRI, saying the two institutions must work hand in hand to strengthen hatchery systems, improve research, and ensure consistent supply of quality fingerlings to farmers.
Prof. Sheikh also called on FETA to scale up training programmes for young people and fish farmers so they can acquire practical skills in modern aquaculture, including cage farming, hatchery management, and sustainable fishing practices.
He said the availability of quality fingerlings remains a key challenge affecting many small-scale fish farmers, adding that the government is working to address the gap so that farmers can access affordable and healthy stock without delays.
According to him, improving fingerling production will directly benefit youth and women who have accessed government-supported loans for cage farming, enabling them to increase production, create jobs, and improve household incomes.
Prof. Sheikh further emphasized the importance of research and innovation in strengthening the fisheries sector, saying institutions must continue developing improved fish breeds that grow faster, resist diseases, and perform better in local water conditions.
He added that the initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader blue economy agenda, which aims to expand sustainable use of water resources to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance food security for citizens.
Participants at the meeting agreed that stronger coordination between institutions and stakeholders will be key to achieving the set targets on time.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the fisheries sector through improved infrastructure, training, and research, with the goal of transforming aquaculture into a reliable source of income for thousands of Tanzanians.
Once achieved, the target of producing up to 300,000 fish fingerlings per month by June 2026 is expected to ease shortages, boost fish farming productivity, and open wider economic opportunities for communities engaged in aquaculture across the country.
