DAR ES SALAAM, Nov 24 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — TANZANIA is set to reap more from a large fishing vessel registered in the country to operate in its Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ).
The vessel which sails under a Tanzanian flag christened Albacora is also set to establish a fish processing and packaging plant in Tanga Region with the aim of widening the market of the marine resources.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega on Thursday received the fishing vessel with 50 tonnes of fish caught in deep sea with the aim of inspecting any deviation.
He said that the fishing vessel will contribute to increased fish supply, lowering market prices and serving as an example of sustainable fishing practices.
The minister said the company has acquired land for the construction of the processing and packaging plant.
Under the issued license, Ulega said, the (Albacora) is required to fish specific type of fish, and any deviation must be transparently disclosed to the government.
He said,”Albacora have demonstrated responsibility by returning non-specified fish to the government to stabilise fish prices in the local market.”
Since Albacora began fishing in our country’s deep-sea waters, Minister Ulega stated that “there have been no instances of the company violating the laws and regulations set forth.”
“Thanks to the favourable investment policies set forth by the sixth-phase government and the effective leadership of President Samia Suluhu, Albacora has been persuaded to invest in the country by establishing a fish processing plant.
He further said with the completion of Bagamoyo and Kilwamasoko ports, challenges in unloading non-food cargo will be addressed.
The Albacora representative, Julen Erekatxo reaffirmed the company’s plan to establish a fish processing plant in Tanzania, citing satisfaction with the government’s business environment and procedures.
He said their boss is expected to come to Tanzania on December 6 this year to sign a contract with Tanzanian government so that the project in Tanga is officiated.
Erekatxo said their idea is to set up a processing plant and to start operations as soon as possible by taking fish to Tanga.
Albacora started working in Tanzania in 2021. For the past two years, Albacora has been awarded a contract for deep-sea fishing in Tanzania’s extensive ocean territory. The contract is renewed yearly.
During this period, the company has been engaged in harvesting fish that can be transported by vehicles with a capacity of carrying fifty tonnes or more. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
