Sustainable Seafood Guide launched to heklp make smart choices

The Tanzania Sustainable Seafood Guide has been launched to support tourism businesses make smart seafood choices

Produced by Chumbe Island Coral Park—Zanzibar's top sustainable ecotourism destination and world famous marine conservation area—the Guide is a FREE, bilingual resource provided in English and Swahili, aiming to raise awareness about overfished and vulnerable marine species and promote sustainable choices in the tourism industry in Tanzania, to support the health of both the ocean and local communities.

As tourism continues to grow across Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, so does the demand for seafood. Fishing remains a vital livelihood for many coastal communities, yet unsustainable harvesting practices threaten both marine biodiversity and long-term food security.

The Tanzania Sustainable Seafood Guide is a response to these challenges, designed to support tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, in making informed, sustainable seafood choices.

Developed in partnership with the USAID Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean) Project and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the guide includes:

● A simple traffic light system (red, yellow, green) to identify which species are

sustainable to consume, which should be avoided, and which to consume with caution

● Information on the species lifecycles, to help buyers and consumers avoid important

breeding seasons

● Guidance on sustainable fishing practices and alternative species to consider

● Coverage of a wide range of species, including both fish and shellfish

The guide was created with input from local and international experts, fishers, and scientists. It is available in three user-friendly formats: a comprehensive guidebook, a pocket-sized version for buyers to take to markets, and educational posters, making it accessible to a wide audience across Tanzania's tourism sector.

These can be downloaded, in both languages, via this link: Tanzania Sustainable Seafood Guide, or you can order hard copies at: conservation@chumbeisland.com.

By equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge, the guide contributes to safeguarding the region’s marine resources for future generations. The guide was officially launched during the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in Mombasa.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Katinka Kunze

Office: +255 (0) 777 413 232

Email: marketing@chumbeisland.com

www.chumbeisland.com