Seaweed Farming
Seaweed is an important component of the marine ecosystem along with the mangrove and coral reefs and can be viewed in two perspectives, from its ecological value as well as its economic uses.
Seaweed farming used to be an alternative livelihood in some villages along the Mtawara coast areas. In Tanzania context, seaweed is now emerging to be an important and major livelihood in the coastal areas, especially in the Zanzbar, Tanga, Kilwa, Lindi as well as now in Mtwara.
Environmentally, Seaweed farming helps to preserve coral reefs,by increasing diversity where the algae and seaweed have been introduced and it also provides added niche for local species of fish and invertebrates. Farming may be beneficial by increasing the production of herbivorous fishes and shellfish in the area.
Seaweed culture can also be used to capture, absorb, and eventually incorporate excessive nutrients into living tissue. "Nutrient bioextraction" is the preferred term for bioremediation involving cultured plants and animals. Nutrient bioextraction (also called bioharvesting) is the practice of farming and harvesting shellfish and seaweed for the purpose of removing nitrogen and other nutrients from natural water bodies.
On understanding these benefits, KIMWAM in collaboration with Seacology is committed to work in supporting local commuinty seaweed growers in Mtwara to insure the sector contributes not only to economical growth but also environmentally. Above images shows KIMWAM Officers inspecting Seaweeding faming at Mkungu Village.