Sponge Farming

Background

Sponges have been collected and used commercially by sponge divers in Zanzibar for many years. Due to this, many of the exploitable species have been decimated. Methods for the cultivation of sponges are not established in East Africa.

After visiting our partner MERIP sponge farm in Phonpei, Micronesia and conducting market research, we decided in August 2009 to develop a sponge farm on the east coast of Zanzibar for research, training and breeding purposes.

Why Sponges?

In contrast to pearl or fish farming, sponge farming may be built up with a minimum of financing and effort. Provided a suitable place, a boat, snorkelling equipment and a good breeding stock is available, an investment of about US $ 300.- suffices.

The maintenance of a sponge farm is minimal and limited to control of the construction and cleaning the sponges from growth matter and possible pests. Fishermen can easily conduct sponge farming as a secondary business.

Currently sponge farming is of international interest, as sponges are important for the coral reef and diverse substances have a large medical potential.

>> Visit our gallery with fascinating underwater photos documenting the development of a sponge farm.

The fishermen committee of Jambiani followed
 

Action

After the sponge farm project was approved by the mayor of Jambiani, a location in the lagoon was decided upon together with the local fishing committee, the fishermen were accordingly informed and a test farm was established. A local fisherman was employed and instructed for the maintenance of the test farm.

The Institute of Marine Science (IMS) has shown a large interest in our activities. Collaboration for the biological designation of native species of sponges was instigated and an accompanying research project is currently being developed.

Learning to collect data
 

Aims

  • The development of a sponge farm and the infrastructure needed in collaboration with local fishermen.
  • The promotion of job creation and the reduction of poverty through sustainable, ecological aqua farming. The generation of secondary income for local fishermen (farm supervision) and their families (product maintenance).
  • Biological designation of native sponge species, testing of cultivation ability and commercial usability, as well as the presentation of samples for potential consumers.
  • The cultivation of known exploitable sponge species for trade.
  • Training and know-how transfer for the development of sponge farms, their maintenance, care and commercialization.
  • The growth of breeding stock (seedlings) of commercially interesting sponges for further sponge farms and the protection of the natural sponge population.
  • The development of further sponge farms, training and financial support for interested fishermen and supply of appropriate breeding stock.
  • The development of a consumer network for the further sales of the product, as well as branding and marketing support.
  • Collaboration with the Institute for Marine Science (IMS), University of Zanzibar and further international research organisations, as well as the generation and analysis of data for research purposes.
  • Inclusion of the local population, especially fishermen and the establishment of transparency through visits to the sponge farms.

Subscribe to our newsletter in the case that you are interested in news about our sponge farm project.