Coastal Aquaculture Potential of East Africa

Abstract

Studies on the aquaculture potential of East African coast has been given. Due to the large expanse of mangrove areas in the region, it has been suggested that the culture of penaeid prawns, particularly Penaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards), P. monodon (Fabricius), P.semisulcatus (De Haan) and Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius) be attempted in the mangrove areas and creeks. Such rearing experiments should be run concurrently with experiments involving the breeding of the prawns in the laboratory. Experiments carried out on the rearing of mollusks show that the region does not support any appreciable growth of oysters, particularly the commercial species. The dominant genera in the region are Ostrea and Crassostrea. The former genus has a slow growth rate and little meat yield. Experiments are underway to determine the aquaculture potential of mussels. Fish culture, particularly the culture of rabbitfish Siganus spp. has a promising future in the region. Rearing experiments carried out at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, have indicated that the fish can be cultured to maturity size of 23.4 cm total length within about 8-9 months. The growth rate of this fish has also been determined by the author. Other fish which have a promising aquaculture potential in the region are milkfish Chanos spp; and Epinephelus spp. The study of seaweeds of Tanzania has reached an advanced stage. Already researches are underway to open seaweed farms both in Zanzibar and Pemba Islands and along the coast of Tanzania Mainland. One of the most valuable seaweeds which has attracted great attention in the region is Eucheuma spp.