Tanzania Launches Marine Safety Drive to Cut Fishing Fatalities in Zanzibar
Tanzania · ECONOMY Key Facts —Surveillance upgrade: Zanzibar will introduce radar and marine vessel tracking systems to improve safety for fishing and transport in the Indian Ocean. —Illegal landing points: Authorities are addressing about 380 illegal harbours and landing points used for boarding passengers and cargo, which undermine safety rules. —Fisheries weight: The sector is […] The post…
Zanzibar has launched a campaign to boost marine safety and reduce fatalities among fishermen and transport workers in the Indian Ocean. Authorities plan to install radar and tracking systems for marine vessels, address over 380 illegal harbours and landing points, and enforce stricter registration, licensing, inspection, and crew qualification requirements.
The fisheries sector, primarily artisanal, accounts for 95% of the industry and contributes about 4.5% of Zanzibar's GDP in 2022, supporting roughly a third of the population. Zanzibar has faced major maritime tragedies, including the MV Spice Islander I in 2011 and the MV Skagit in 2012, which together claimed hundreds of lives. The Zanzibar Maritime Authority, operating under Acts No. 3 of 2009 and No. 5 of 2006, will enforce the new safety measures.
With the support of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme, as well as the International Maritime Organization, Zanzibar is working to improve safety, counter smuggling, and enhance the blue economy in the region.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
