Work

Economic viability of seaweed and sea cucumber culture using integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The viability of co-culturing seaweed and sea cucumbers in Zanzibar, Tanzania, was assessed using integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems with oyster and recirculating aquaculture systems with milkfish. Seaweed production was affected by the ice-ice disease, resulting in specific growth rates of 1.32 to -1.96 % d-1. Nitrogen content in the seaweed thallus and inorganic nutrient in the water indicated that seaweed could potentially be used as a biofilter. An economic analysis showed the economic viability of IMTA systems, co-culturing seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii, sea cucumber Holothuria scabra and oyster Pinctada margaritifera, achieving a maximum benefit-cost ratio of 1.61 over one year. Interviews with local farmers on Zanzibar showed willingness to accept new aquaculture systems, but also highlighted constraints, including a lack of infrastructure, funds and expertise.

Source: Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science

DOI: 10.4314/wiojms.v23i2.5

Authors: Markus Bernard, Hafzur Rahman, William Mangile, Flower E. Msuya, Andreas Kunzmann

Institutions: University of Bremen, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, University of Dar es Salaam

Language: English

Topic: Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst