Dr. John Mapunda
Board Member
Dr. John Benedict Mapunda is an esteemed expert in the field of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, currently serving as the Principal Fisheries Officer at the Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO) under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. With over 16 years of experience in the aquaculture sector, his expertise spans across fish production, research, consultancy, and student supervision.
Dr. Mapunda completed his PhD in Marine Sciences at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam in 2022. His doctoral research focused on the Snubnose Pompano (Trachinotus blochii), specifically on larval production and growth performance in captivity, aiming to improve seed production techniques for marine finfish species. He also holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Animal Sciences (specialized in aquaculture breeding) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Dr. Mapunda’s career is distinguished by his vast hands-on experience in various aquaculture sectors, including the management of hatcheries and farms for marine fish seed production, marine fish farming (including ponds, recirculating aquaculture systems, and cage management), and marine fish feed production. He has a particular focus on the farming and seed production of several marine species such as grouper, pompano, rabbitfish, milkfish, red snapper, mud crabs, sea cucumber, and marine shrimp. His experience also extends to freshwater aquaculture, with expertise in tilapia, carps, and freshwater prawns.
In addition to his technical skills, Dr. Mapunda has a solid background in aquaculture business development, including preparing business plans for aquaculture ventures, and has contributed significantly to fisheries management policy development. He has been an integral part of various initiatives such as the establishment of fish farmer field schools, the development of mariculture centres in Tanzania, and the design of national aquaculture programs under the Tanzania Agriculture Master Plan. His leadership in preparing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and his role in strategic planning have significantly influenced the development of sustainable aquaculture practices in the country.
Throughout his career, Dr. Mapunda has also been involved in various consultancy services, including the design and management of marine fish farms, shrimp farms, and the development of fish feed production facilities. He has served as a technical expert for international projects, such as the construction of Tilapia Pond Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) funded by UNDP, and has worked with private sector companies in designing and constructing sustainable aquaculture systems.
His research contributions, particularly his work on fish breeding and endocrinology, have positioned him as a leading figure in the aquaculture research community. Dr. Mapunda has received several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Sida Scholarship for his PhD studies and the Australian Awards Africa (AAA) short course scholarship. His work has received recognition for its contribution to sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Tanzania.
Dr. Mapunda’s dedication to advancing aquaculture and fisheries management, coupled with his leadership and commitment to sustainable development, makes him a valuable asset in the growth and transformation of Tanzania’s fisheries sector.