School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries

Join us during Research and Innovation Week 2026 and experience how science is being applied in fisheries, aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource management.

📅 19th – 21st May 2026
⏰ 08:30 am – 05:00 pm
📍 SoAF Grounds, University of Dar es Salaam, Kunduchi Campus.

You are all welcome!

A proud moment for as third-year student Ibrahim Saimon Mvimba showcased his startup, Kunduchi Fresh Solutions, at the Imbeju Startup Challenge organized by the CRDB Foundation in collaboration with UDSM.

During the event, he had the opportunity to present the project to the Guest of Honour, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda.

The startup focuses on improving the fisheries value chain through fish processing, value addition, and a digital marketplace that connects consumers directly with fishermen and vendors at fair prices. The initiative also supports youth self-employment while addressing market price fluctuations for important fish species such as tuna, tilapia, and Nile perch.

Seagrasses are gaining the attention they deserve and SoAF is at the forefront of this momentum.

SoAF is participating in the ongoing Large-scale Seagrass Mapping and Management Initiative (LaSMMI) conference from 16 – 17 April 2026 in Maputo. This engagement reflects SoAF’s growing contribution to the regional seagrass research and conservation agenda, with its researchers’ .rl and joining counterparts from across the Western Indian Ocean to review project progress, share experiences, address emerging challenges and discussing the way forward. The conference convenes experts from countries where LaSMMI is being implemented, including Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar.

Briefly, LaSMMI is a collaborative effort led by The Pew Charitable Trusts, WIOMSA, the University of Southampton, and regional research institutions including to produce the first field-verified seagrass maps and carbon stock assessments for the Western Indian Ocean. By establishing robust baseline data, the initiative supports governments in strengthening coastal resilience and advancing climate action, while unlocking the benefits of seagrasses for climate mitigation and adaptation, livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity. This work builds on the Seychelles seagrass mapping and carbon assessment project, whose outputs informed national commitments to seagrass protection under the updated NDCs.

New publications from staff and students at , . These studies cover fish population genetics, nutrition and health, aquaculture practices, fisheries systems, and environmental challenges such as plastic pollution in marine and freshwater settings. This collection reflects ongoing contributions from to research, policy, and sustainable resource management in Tanzania and beyond.

Congratulations to Prof. on his article being recognized as a Top Cited Article (2025) in Reviews in Aquaculture (Wiley).

His work on replacing fishmeal with plant-based protein sources in carnivorous fish continues to shape discussions on sustainable aquaculture and is widely cited by researchers globally.

This recognition reflects the growing impact of research from in advancing aquaculture science.

Read the article: https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12888

BSc Aquatic Science and Fisheries 2025. We celebrate you today. You made it, and we’re proud of you. Congrats to all of you, and all the best in your next adventure.

Did you know Lake Tanganyika is home to a fish that can deliver a real shock? ⚡ The Malapterurus tanganyikaensis, native to the Lake Tanganyika basin, is an electric catfish with the unique ability to produce electric shocks! This isn’t just a cool superpower, it uses this talent to defend itself and zap its prey.

is studying the catfishes of Lake Tanganyika, exploring the fascinating diversity and unique adaptations of these incredible species! Stay tuned for more exciting discoveries! 🔍🐠

SoAF is thrilled to be part of the 3rd East African Regional Aquaculture Conference, happening from August 13-15, 2024, at the stunning Malaika Beach Resort in Mwanza. 📍

This year’s theme, “Promoting Aquaculture Investment in East Africa,” focuses on discussing and shaping the future of aquaculture in our vibrant region. Join us as we explore innovative opportunities and share insights to boost investment in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Stay tuned for updates, insights, and highlights from the event! Let’s shape the future of aquaculture together!

Workshop in Session!

The “Identification of Existing Bathymetry Data in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Region – Focus on Tanzania” workshop is currently taking place at the

📆 Running from August 12th to 14th, 2024, the workshop is hosted by the in collaboration with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), this event gathers key stakeholders from government agencies, including the Fisheries Department, Hydrographic Office, and Navy.

The workshop focuses on enhancing bathymetric data collection and utilization in Tanzania, identifying dataset gaps, and proposing strategic interventions. This effort is part of the WIOBATHY project, supported by GEBCO and the Nippon Foundation.



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