Zanzibar: Okoa Mvuvi Marine Safety Program Launched for Fishermen

• Zanzibar launched the "Okoa Mvuvi Zanzibar" marine safety program to reduce drowning incidents among fishermen.
• The program utilizes tracking technology with transponder devices on vessels to monitor real-time locations and movements.
• A nine-month study informed the program, revealing many fishermen travel far offshore, complicating rescues.
• A digital database and electronic identification cards are being established for fishermen to speed up emergency identification.
• The initiative also aims to provide economic support by helping fishermen access loans and financial services.

Our goal is to ensure that every fisherman goes to sea with proper safety knowledge, identification and equipment while enabling the government to respond quickly when emergencies occur.

Zanzibar has officially launched a comprehensive new marine safety program, "Okoa Mvuvi Zanzibar," which translates to "Rescue the Fisher Zanzibar." This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the safety of the region's fishing community by deploying advanced tracking technology to monitor fishing vessels and, critically, reduce the alarming number of drowning incidents among fishermen. The program's introduction was announced by Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry responsible for the Blue Economy, during a press briefing held at his office in Maisara.

Captain Hamad underscored the urgent necessity of the Zanzibar Okoa Mvuvi marine safety program, citing a concerning rise in marine accidents involving local fishermen. He revealed that, on average, over 100 fishermen are caught in drowning incidents annually, with these tragic events often resulting in fatalities, as well as the devastating loss of boats and essential fishing equipment. In response to this escalating crisis, the government is committed to bolstering its marine safety systems through the integration of modern technological solutions, working in close collaboration with various rescue institutions and key fisheries stakeholders.

A foundational element of the Okoa Mvuvi program was an extensive nine-month study undertaken by the government. This research aimed to meticulously map out fishing patterns across Zanzibar's waters, identifying areas frequently visited by fishermen, the typical duration of their trips, and the density of fishers operating in specific zones. As part of this study, marine transponder devices were strategically installed on a selection of fishing vessels. These devices are instrumental in transmitting real-time information to a sophisticated electronic monitoring system, which then allows authorities to precisely track vessel locations and movements across the sea.

The insights gleaned from this comprehensive study proved critical, revealing that a significant number of fishermen venture far offshore, a practice that inherently complicates rescue operations during emergencies. Captain Hamad emphasized that the data collected through this Zanzibar fishing vessel tracking system will be invaluable for refining rescue planning. It will enable authorities to strategically position rescue resources in identified high-risk areas, particularly during peak fishing seasons, thereby improving response times and overall effectiveness in line with enhanced Tanzania marine safety regulations.

Beyond technological tracking, the Zanzibar Okoa Mvuvi marine safety program also encompasses a broad data collection effort. The government has conducted a thorough census of both fishermen and seaweed farmers, gathering vital information pertaining to their vessels, engines, primary fishing areas, and operational requirements. This census highlighted a substantial increase in the fishing fleet, with the number of fishing boats growing from 7,919 in 2019 to more than 10,270 currently, underscoring the pressing need for robust safety and monitoring frameworks.

Furthermore, a digital database for fishermen is actively being established. This database will consolidate crucial details such as personal identification, comprehensive vessel information, current licensing status, and records of training received. Already, some fishermen have been successfully registered and issued electronic identification cards, which are directly linked to their fishing activities. Authorities anticipate that this initiative for fishermen digital identification Zanzibar will significantly expedite the identification process during emergencies. Complementing these measures, fishermen are also receiving specialized training in emergency response procedures, including the correct use of mobile phones at sea and effective communication protocols with rescue teams in distress situations. The program also aims to provide economic support by facilitating financial institutions' recognition of fishermen as entrepreneurs, thereby improving their access to vital loans and other financial services, a key aspect of Zanzibar Blue Economy initiatives.

Captain Hamad articulated the overarching vision for the Zanzibar Okoa Mvuvi marine safety program: to ensure that every fisherman embarks on their sea journey equipped with proper safety knowledge, official identification, and necessary equipment. Concurrently, the program is designed to empower the government with the capability to respond swiftly and effectively whenever emergencies arise. This dual focus on proactive safety measures and rapid response is expected to yield significant benefits for the region.

The initiative is projected to save lives, substantially reduce the loss of valuable property, and ultimately foster a safer and more productive fisheries sector across Zanzibar. By integrating advanced technology, comprehensive data management, and targeted training, the Okoa Mvuvi program represents a pivotal step towards safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of Zanzibar's vital fishing community, aligning with broader goals for sustainable development within the Blue Economy.

Lawyers advising clients in Zanzibar's fisheries sector should monitor the implementation of the Okoa Mvuvi program for new compliance obligations related to vessel tracking, digital identification, and data reporting, which could impact operational permits, liability, and data privacy considerations for fishing businesses.

Source: Original reporting via Daily News