October to December 2012: New Farm at Mtende

27.12.2012

The shallow farm has been yielding good results, with the grey sponges growing to nearly twice their initial size within six months. So, we have expanded the shallow farm by adding new lines and planting more sponges. On the other hand, the difficulties involved in growing the black sponges (see previous news) have led us to explore a new option—a new shallow farm off the village of Mtende.

The site for the new farm was selected with the aim of enabling us to measure the growth rate of the black sponges in their natural habitat. Since our prefered sponges are found naturally in this area, we hope that the new farm will help us to avoid the problems faced with this specie in Jambiani.

Mtende being a conservation area, we had to go through a long process of getting all the necessary permissions and securing the cooperation of the village community. But we managed to set up the farm, the first 200 sponges have already been planted, and we are all set for further expansion in the new year.

Presentation in Mtende

<< back