March 2012: Launching a Shallow Water Farm

12.03.2012

We have expanded our existing farming operations to add a smaller, shallow water farm. As we recently found a new sponge species at a depth of only 1-4 meters and close to the coast, this new experimental farm is currently evaluating whether the species can be successfully cultivated in knee-deep water, where sea grass is already being farmed. Shallow sponge farms would among other things be a great opportunity for women farmers -  who only work in shallow waters - as they could achieve a higher income cultivating sponges rather than seagrass.

We currently have 300 seedlings in the shallow water farm and have so far been able to determine that they develop quite well, although they require a somewhat higher level of care. In this connection, Sarah Friday, a U.S. biology student, tested a variety of sponge cultivating methods under our guidance last autumn. Her paper, “A study of sponge aquaculture in Jambiani: Is shallow farming feasible?” can be viewed here: http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1194

Female seagrass farmers work exclusively in shallow water, and during ebb tide.

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