Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and

for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

National Aquaculture Sector Overview

Mozambique

I. Characteristics, Structure And Resources Of The Sector IV. Trends, Issues And Development
a. Summary V. References
b. History And General Overview
a. Bibliography
c. Human Resources
b. Related Links
d. Farming Systems Distribution And Characteristics
e. Cultured Species
f. Practices/Systems Of Culture
II. Sector Performance
a. Production
b. Market And Trade
c. Contribution To The Economy
III. Promotion And Management Of The Sector
a. The Institutional Framework
b. The Governing Regulations
c. Applied Research, Education And Training

Characteristics, structure and resources of the sector

Summary

Aquaculture in Mozambique is a relatively new activity. The culture of freshwater species such as tilapia has
existed for many decades (since the 1950s), whereas the cultivation of marine species has emerged over the last
five years. The aquaculture industry in 2003 consisted of commercial farms producing marine shrimp (Penaeus
spp.) and seaweed (Kappaphycus spp.), and artisanal farms producing tilapia (Tilapia spp.). In 2003 aquaculture
production was approximately 855 tonnes/year, but the outlook is a production of 5 000 tonnes by 2006
(Ministério das Pescas, 2003). 2003 data on capture fisheries reported a production of 89 111 tonnes of
crustaceans, finfish and molluscs (INE, 2003).

Aquaculture practices range from extensive farming (tilapia and seaweeds) with few inputs and modest output,
to semi-intensive farming (shrimp) with high inputs and high output.

The development of aquaculture in Mozambique plays an important role in the socio-economic development of
the country: providing cheap protein, improving the population's diet, creating jobs, generating income and
promoting regional development.The potential for aquaculture development in Mozambique is enormous.
There is a favourable environment for investment, climatic conditions are favourable (tropical and sub-tropical
climate), it is unpolluted, population pressure is low, and there are extensive resources with a potential of 33
000 ha of land suitable for coastal aquaculture and the existence of wild native species which can potentially be
farmed such as giant tiger prawn Penaeus monodon , Indian white prawn Penaeus indicus , kuruma prawn Penaeus
japonicus , speckled shrimp Metapenaeus monoceros , giant river prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and tilapia Tilapia spp.

History and general overview

The culture of freshwater species such as tilapia has existed for many decades (since the 1950s) with the
construction of a large number of small dams. However, the cultivation of marine species has only emerged
over the last five years. At beginning of the 1960s the government built hatcheries and demonstration farms in
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Umbeluzi (0.5 ha), Sussundenga (2 ha) and Chowke (1.6 ha). In 1978-1979, the government expressed
renewed interest in freshwater fish farming, particularly as a means of supplying fish to the rural population
which was deficient in animal protein and beyond the reach of existing marine and freshwater fish distribution
networks. Under the authority of the State Secretary for Fisheries, two experimental fish farms were renovated
at Umbeluzi (Maputo province) and Sussundenga/Chizizira (Manica province), and development research was
re-commenced. In October 1984 freshwater fish farming was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture.

In the 1990s an Aquaculture Programme for Local Communities (ALCOM), funded by SIDA and executed by
FAO, assisted Mozambique in developing freshwater fish farming and extension methods. Approximately 230
fish ponds were reported during this period.

The cultivation of marine species has only emerged over the last five years. Coastal aquaculture began in the
1970s with a research programme into farming the South American rock mussel Perna perna .

Early work on prawn culture and development began in the mid 1980s with site surveying, promotion of
overseas investment and the execution of a UNDP funded pilot project near Maputo City. However, project
implementation faced several constraints and in the early 1990s the farm was privatized. It is currently a
farming hatchery rearing Penaeus indicus. Yields of 2.5 tonnes/ha/year have been achieved. In 2002 the
production of marine shrimp was 600 tonnes at a value of US$ 3 000 000. In 2003 it was 332 tonnes at a value
of US$ 1 657 920 with only one farm operating. Seaweed production in 2002 was 157 tonnes at an estimated
value of US$ 31 000 and in 2003 523 tonnes estimated at US$ 105 000.
Human resources

Direct employment in the fisheries and aquaculture sector is estimated to be 95 000 (Ministry of Fisheries,
2004; Omar, 2005), of whom 90 percent are in the artisanal sector. It is estimated that about 1 000 people are
employed on the commercial farms on a full-time basis. Around 5 500 people are involved in subsistence
aquaculture as a part-time activity, of whom 3 500 are in tilapia extensive farming and 2 000 in seaweed
farming. Other activities include agriculture, including cash crops and livestock. The vast majority, over 90
percent, are illiterate or have a primary education, whilst a small number, mainly those in administrative areas,
have a secondary education. The commercial farms employ overseas workers in technical and managerial
positions. In seaweed farming 80 percent of the producers are women, whilst on the commercial farms women
make up 30 percent of the workers (Aquaculture Department, 2004) employed in processing.

Farming systems distribution and characteristics

It is estimated that there are over 3 500 freshwater fish ponds (200-400 m2 in area, 105 ha) in Manica, Niassa,
Tete, Sofala and Zambézia.

There are currently three commercial shrimp aquaculture enterprises operating in Beira, Sofala Province (Sol &
Mar with 500 ha), Quelimane, Zambézia province (Aquapesca with 1 000 ha) and Pemba, in Cabo Delgado
province (Indian Ocean Aquaculture with 980 ha). All use a semi-intensive farming system in earthen ponds
(size range from 5-10 ha) and import feed from the region (South Africa and Seychelles) or from Asia. Current
production is at 4.8 tonnes/ha/year. Water quality is permanently monitored and investment is high. The species
produced are Penaeus monodon the giant tiger prawn and Penaeus indicus the Indian white prawn.

Seaweed (Eucheuma spinosum and Kappaphycus alvarezii ) is farmed in Cabo Delgado (from Pemba to Macomia,
including some islands in the Quirimba archipelago) and in Nampula (between Angoche and Nacala)
provinces.
Cultured species

The cultured species in Mozambique include fish, crustaceans and aquatic macro algae. The species most
cultivated are the native marine prawn species: giant tiger prawn (Peneaus monodon ), Indian white prawn (Peneaus
indicus ) and the native freshwater fish Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus ).
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
In early 1990s, the ALCOM programme introduced from Zimbabwe the common carp (Cyprinus carpio ), the
silver carp (Hypophthalmichtys molitrix ), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ). Nowadays, however, subsistence
farmers culture hybrids of Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus , likely to be inbred strains that lead to
slow growth and low production.

In the late 1990s, the seaweed species Kappaphycus alvarezii (=Eucheuma cottonii ) and Eucheuma denticulatum (=E. spinosum )
were introduced from Zanzibar (Tanzania).

Practices/systems of culture

Production models and the intensity of aquaculture production in Mozambique are as follows:

Freshwater aquaculture

Subsistence aquaculture

The main cultured species is tilapia in a mixed-sex culture. It is practiced in earthen ponds, ranging in
size from small backyard ponds (200-400 m2 ) to larger ponds (1.5 ha). Pond culture of freshwater fish is
the least developed technique in Mozambique. The culture system is extensive. Seeds are either collected
from the wild or from other farmers' ponds and stocking density is 2-5 fish/m2 . The fish grow to
maximum of 150 g over a period of six months.

Formulated feed for fish is not available in the country. Fish are fed on agriculture by-products such as
rice, maize, millet and sorghum bran and cassava leaves.

As a fertilizer farmers use cow and other livestock manure depending on availability. Yields are low,
estimated at 0.8 tonnes/ha/year. Cropping time is from six months to a year, depending on the feeding
regime.

Commercial aquaculture

Commercial aquaculture consists of a one-cage culture operation in Manica province. The farm began
commercial production in 2004 and produces 1 tonne per month of Nile tilapia (150 g). Production is
sold on site. The facilities include raceways for fingerling production and ongrowing. Cages are
constructed of the cheapest locally available construction materials such as empty oil barrels (as a
floating device).

The seed supply for cage culture depends on the farm production. Feeds are produced on the farm from
locally available ingredients.

The cage farm and other farms face problems such as lack of inputs, fish seed, feed technology, feed
formulation and feeding management, and lack of capital to operate the harvest and increase
productivity.

Coastal aquaculture

Subsistence aquaculture

In the coastal areas of Cabo Delgado and Nampula local communities are involved in seaweed farming
(Eucheuma and Kappaphycus ) in a system of poles installed in shallow areas close to the shore. In 2003
production reached 523 tonnes. Local farmers are reported to earn an average of US$ 60 per month.

Commercial aquaculture
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
 Commercial coastal aquaculture consists of shrimp culture. In 2004 Mozambique produced 400 tonnes
of shrimp. Shrimps are produced in earthen ponds in a semi-intensive system and farm sizes vary from
500 ha to 1 200 ha. All farms use a semi-intensive farming system in earthen ponds (pond size ranges
from 5-10 ha). Feeds are imported from the region (South Africa and Seychelles) or from Asia.

The shrimp ponds are located close to the mangrove forest, on the bank of estuaries. The soils vary from
sandy to clay. The salinity during the culture period is an average 32‰. The daily water exchange is 30
percent of pond/field water. Stocking density varies from 100 000 to 300 000 seed/ha and the production
rate is 4.8 tonnes/ha/year (Aquaculture Department, 2004). Farmers carry out soil treatment of culture
ponds and measurements of water parameters. All farms treat their effluent using settlement ponds and
mangroves as biofilters.

Sector performance

Production

Capture fisheries in Mozambique is an important sector and contributes significantly to the diet of the
population. Artisanal production in 2003 was estimated by the Ministry of Fisheries of Mozambique to be
about 67 074 tonnes. In 2003 registered total catches (from industrial and semi-industrial fishing boats) were
reported to be 22 037 tonnes and accounted for 10 percent of the country's total exports. In 2003 the annual
value of exported fish products was US$ 79.7 million (DNEP, 2004).

In 2002 production from aquaculture (marine shrimp and seaweed) was 757 tonnes at a value of US$ 3 031
000. In 2003 it was 855 tonnes and worth US$ 1 668 300 (DNEP, 2004).

The graph below shows total aquaculture production in Mozambique according to FAO statistics:

Market and trade

Fish marketing and distribution are carried out by the private sector (formally and informally). A wide range of
marine fish products is available and marketed. Marine aquaculture production has served external market
demands, while freshwater production is for household consumption. The domestic market for marine products
is small and consumption of such products is mainly confined to marine areas. Fish consumption in the country
is estimated at 7-10 kg/year. However, there are consumption imbalances between coastal and inland areas.
High-value species such as prawns Penaeus monodon and Penaeus indicus are exported. Europe and the USA are the
primary export destinations for aquaculture exports. Small volumes are also marketed in South Africa and
Asian countries. The production of cultured tilapia from cages is all marketed locally. The Fish Inspection
Department in the Ministry of Fisheries is the competent authority for inspection, testing and certification of
both capture and aquaculture products.

Contribution to the economy

In 2003 the fisheries sector constituted about 4 percent of GDP and 28 percent of foreign exchange earnings.
Exports of aquatic products (shrimp, fish, molluscs, seaweed, etc) amounted to some US$ 73 million in 2003.
It is estimated that the population derives 50 percent of its animal protein intake directly from fish and fisheries
products. The sector provides direct employment for over 95 000 people. Over three to four times this number
is employed in the support services. Annual production of fish and fisheries products including aquaculture is
estimated at 100 000 tonnes.

Rural aquaculture programmes contribute significantly to food security and to improving living standards and
conditions. They have an enormous positive social impact in rural communities. It is reported that about 3 000
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
families are involved in subsistence fish farming and 2 000 in seaweed farming. Although there are no records
on the profitability of fish farming, local seaweed farmers are reported to earn an average of US$ 60 per month.
Shrimp farming provides employment for 1 492 people in Mozambique (Aquaculture Department, 2004).

Promotion and management of the sector

The institutional framework

The Ministry of Fisheries has overall responsibility for the management and administration of aquaculture in
Mozambique. Two government bodies deal directly with aquaculture: the Aquaculture Department in the
Ministry of Fisheries and the Aquaculture Division at the Fisheries Research Institute (IIP). Fish Inspection
Department under the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for the control of quality standards of all aquaculture
products.

Despite the creation of a separate Ministry of Fisheries, subsistence small-scale freshwater fish farming is under
the promotion and assistance of the provincial agriculture departments.

NGOs play a vital role in community mobilization, empowerment and implementation of projects. In
Mozambique, a number of NGOs is involved in agriculture extension (including fish farming), group formation
and credit provision to small-scale rural farmers.

The Association of Shrimp Producers of Mozambique is currently waiting for formal registration. It will be
made up of the three established businesses Aquapesca, Indian Ocean and Sol e Mar. Membership will be
limited to companies licensed by authorities as industrial producers. With respect to marketing, the Association
will direct its efforts to ensuring that Mozambique shrimp maintains its reputation for high quality. This will
involve implementing self-regulating codes of conduct for responsible aquaculture, and creating for its
members a label guaranteeing quality to the buyers. The government supports producers in achieving their
market objectives by ensuring strict regulations which govern the handling and processing of products from
both capture fisheries and aquaculture.

The governing regulations

The Fisheries Law (Law 3/90 of 26 September 1990) and subsequent regulations form the legal basis for the
fisheries sector. The Fisheries Law defines the role and responsibility of the fisheries administration and the
principles which guide the fishing activities. The maritime regulation (Decree 43/2003 of December 10th ) deals
with fisheries administration and management (licensing procedures, fishing regimes and gears, quality control,
management measures etc). There is a general aquaculture regulation that defines all rights and obligations of
all stakeholders in Mozambique (Decree 35/2001 of 13 of November). The legislation defines specific norms
and requirements for aquaculture farms and establishes procedures for licensing and parameters for each
farming system.

Through the Fish Inspection Department and the Aquaculture Department the Ministry of Fisheries is
responsible for controlling the use of chemicals in aquaculture. For that purpose a National Plan for the control
of residues of veterinary drugs, heavy metals, pesticides and other environmental contaminants is drawn up and
implemented every year. The Fish Inspection Department is the competent authority for the control of quality
standards of all fish and fisheries products including aquaculture products. Given that aquaculture development
has expanded and products have become more diverse, specific standards have to be legislated on by the
Ministry of Fisheries.

There is no regulation governing quarantine of imported fish or aquatic species. There is no specific regulation
on the control of disease in aquaculture.

There are legal requirements for environment impact assessment for aquaculture farms larger than 5 ha and
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
with an annual output above 100 tonnes. An Environmental Law was approved in October 1997. There is a
new regulation for the control of effluent discharged by factories, industrial plants and other development
activities.

The Land Law was approved in July 1997 (N° 19/1997). It follows the Constitution and is similar to previous
legislation (1979 Land Law) whereby all land is still owned by the state. No private land rights exist.

Applied research, education and training

Research priorities in the fisheries sector, including aquaculture, are set by the Ministry of Fisheries.

The main public body for the promotion and support of activities in science and technology in Mozambique is
the Ministry for Science and Technology. In the fisheries sector there are two bodies responsible for scientific
research and development: the Fisheries Research Institute (IIP) and the Institute for the Development of Small
Scale Fisheries (IDPPE). The IIP operates as a traditional fisheries research institute with focus on biological
aspects of management. It performs very well within this paradigm and with the limited resources available.
Both the IIP and the IDPPE are involved in applied research and extension/experimental fishing activities.
Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Fisheries, there is a Fisheries School which provides vocational training
for fishermen and fishing vessel machinists.

There are currently no facilities for aquaculture research in the country. Research is limited to resource surveys
and environmental studies with the support of outside laboratories.

There are no institutions teaching aquaculture subjects in Mozambique.

Trends, issues and development

Aquaculture in Mozambique represents an additional source of animal protein, contributing to food security,
stimulating regional development, generating foreign income, creating new jobs and reducing pressure on wild
stocks, particularly the shrimp stocks. Shrimp aquaculture currently represents a little more than 2.5 percent of
the country's total shrimp production. There is potential for further aquaculture development in Mozambique.
The country is well positioned for shrimp farming and shrimp exports command a high price in Europe.
Studies have shown there are 33 000 ha available for the short and medium term development of coastal
aquaculture, free from conflicting uses and protected resources. The establishment of shrimp and fish farms is
one of the Government's major plans. The country is bestowed with a large number of lakes such as Niassa
(Lake Malawi), Chiuta, Chilwa, Amaramba and dams such as Cahora Bassa, Chicamba Real, Massingir,
Corumana and Pequenos Libombos. These aquatic resources could be potential sites for cage culture and pen
culture by small and medium enterprises.

With regards to land use, tourism and other activities, there is little competition in the areas suitable for
aquaculture development.

The Mozambican Government is now in the process of formulating policy for the development of aquaculture
and this is an important tool for guiding the development of this sub-sector. A number of issues are being
addressed such as more efficient resource utilization (improved water management, better feeding practices,
improved health management, increased integration with agriculture), maximization of positive environmental
practices and biodiversity conservation.

The situation on the world market is not encouraging for potential warm water shrimp producers. Supply
continues to outstrip demand, pushing prices down. Markets are dominated by large producers with advantages
in the form of economies of scale. This, together with worldwide environmental concerns, leads to less
intensive shrimp production in Mozambique. Shrimp producers in Mozambique are committed to supplying
high quality products in order to reach niche markets. So the level of intensification and environmental impacts
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
are issues that are addressed daily.

The Government is promoting bivalve and seaweed culture These are activities that can provide a positive
impact on the environment by removing pollution from the local water systems.

References

Bibliography

FAO publications related to aquaculture for Mozambique.

FAO . 2005 . Aquaculture production, 2004. Year book of Fishery Statistics - Vol.96/2. Food and Agriculture
organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.
Aquaculture Department, Ministry of Fisheries-Mozambique . 2004 . Shrimp Aquaculture Production Facilities
Monitoring Reports.
Boletim Da República, 2º Suplemento. 1996 . I Série – Número 21, the Council of Ministers Resolution 11/96
of 28 May.
Boletim Da República, 2º Suplemento. 1990 . I Série – Número 3, Law 3/90 of 26 September.
Boletim Da República, I Série – Número 50, Decree 43/2003 of 10 December.
Boletim Da República, 2º Suplemento. 2001 . I Série - Número 45, Decree 35/2001 of 13 November.
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira . 2002 . Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Industria de
Aquacultura do camarão Marinho , 90 pp.
Omar, I. 2005 . Local Expert on Aquaculture Development Report; Commonwealth Mission: Assistance to
Develop an Aquaculture Policy.
Ministério das Pescas . 2003 . Plano Económico e Social do Sector para o ano 2003 , 26 pp.
Ministry of Fisheries . 2005 . Development of aquaculture sector in Mozambique: potentials and constraints for
development-policy and implementation needs. (Draft for discussion). 47 pp.
DNEP, Ministério das Pescas . 2005 . Balanço do programa quinquenal do governo 2000-2004. Sector das
Pescas. 20 pp.
National Statistics Institute . 2003 . Statistical Yearbook 2003 - Mozambique, 129 pp.
Norwegian College of Fisheries Science . 2002 . A Study of the Fisheries Sector in Mozambique , 88 pp.
Related links

FAO FishStatJ – Universal software for fishery statistical time series

Instituto National de Estatística
Ministério das Pescas

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department