The 2015 Tanzanian National Fisheries Policy: Challenges and Pathways Forward
DOWNLOADDecember 2, 2024 - Dr. Lydia Gaspare
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EmailThe policy brief "The 2015 Tanzanian National Fisheries Policy: Challenges and Pathways Forward," authored by Dr. Lydia Gaspare of the University of Dar es Salaam, provides an overview of the policy’s goals, successes, and ongoing challenges. It emphasizes the critical role of the fisheries sector in Tanzania’s economy and its alignment with international standards for sustainable fisheries management.
The 2015 policy builds upon earlier frameworks, such as the 1997 National Fisheries Policy and the Fisheries Act of 2003, and integrates additional instruments like the Marine Parks and Reserves Act and the Deep Sea Fisheries Management and Development Act of 2020. Its key objectives include promoting sustainability, fostering gender equality, improving fishers’ livelihoods, and increasing market access for fish products.
Key Focus Areas:
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Sustainability: Preventing overfishing, protecting critical habitats (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves), and adopting adaptive strategies for climate resilience.
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Gender and Inclusion: Empowering women through leadership opportunities and equitable resource access while addressing gender-based barriers.
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Infrastructure and Innovation: Enhancing post-harvest handling, establishing cold storage facilities, and adopting selective fishing techniques to reduce bycatch.
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Market Access: Facilitating exports through branding, quality certification, and trade agreements while reducing barriers for small-scale fishers.
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Data and Research: Developing an integrated data system to monitor fisheries activities and promote research on technologies and value chain improvements.
Successes:
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Increased investment in fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure.
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Establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories and youth empowerment projects.
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Improved quality and food safety of fish products.
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Strengthened participation of fishing communities in management decisions.
Challenges:
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Persistent issues of overfishing, illegal fishing, and habitat degradation.
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Limited enforcement capacity due to resource constraints.
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Trade barriers and tariffs hindering international market access.
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Marginalization of certain groups due to cultural norms.
Recommendations:
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Allocate budgets for critical infrastructure development, leveraging public-private partnerships.
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Establish adaptive management strategies to address climate change impacts.
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Promote gender equality and inclusivity through targeted programs.
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Develop robust environmental monitoring and data collection systems.
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Strengthen international collaborations and align with global trends in sustainable fisheries management.
The brief concludes by advocating for regular policy reviews, greater stakeholder engagement, and innovations in aquaculture to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of Tanzania’s fisheries sector.
Key Takeaways:
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Addressing overfishing and habitat degradation is crucial for sustainability.
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Inclusive policies and gender equality are key to equitable development.
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Enhanced infrastructure and market access can boost the fisheries economy.
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Research and data-driven decision-making are critical for long-term success.
