Dar es Salaam. Two young Tanzanian innovators have developed a fishing technology that uses adjustable light intensity to attract specific fish species, a solution they believe could improve catches, raise fishermen’s incomes and promote sustainable fishing practices.
The innovation was developed by former St Joseph Cathedral High School students, Mr Samy Basil and Mr Samwel Milangali, whose project emerged as the national winner at last year's Young Scientists Tanzania (YST) exhibition.
The pair are now seeking support from the government and other stakeholders to secure intellectual property rights and advance the technology towards commercialisation.
Speaking about the innovation, Mr Basil said the project was inspired by challenges facing many fishing communities despite Tanzania’s vast water resources.
“Our project focuses on introducing modern technology into the fishing industry. We want to help fishermen attract fish in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way,” he said.
According to him, the technology uses specialised underwater light strips whose brightness can be adjusted automatically depending on environmental conditions and the type of fish being targeted.
The system enables fishermen to select light intensities that attract specific species, making fishing operations more predictable and efficient.
“Different fish respond differently to light. Through our research, we identified light ranges that attract particular species. This allows fishermen to target specific fish rather than relying on guesswork,” he said.
The innovation also aims to address environmental concerns associated with destructive fishing methods.
Authorities have for years struggled to combat illegal practices such as the use of explosives, poison and prohibited fishing gear, which threaten aquatic ecosystems and fish breeding grounds.
Mr Basil said the technology could provide fishermen with a practical and environmentally sustainable alternative.
“If fishermen can attract fish effectively using technology, there will be less temptation to use methods that damage the environment,” he said.
The system operates through three modes. One uses a real-time clock mechanism that automatically switches the lights on and off according to predetermined schedules aligned with fish movement patterns.
Another uses photoresistors to regulate brightness based on natural light conditions, ensuring optimal illumination without repelling fish.
The students said their research also revealed that many fishermen fail to secure good catches not because fish are scarce, but because the lighting systems they use are ineffective.
“We discovered that some lights either fail to attract fish or actually drive them away. Fish are naturally attracted to specific levels of light, but excessively bright light can trigger a defensive response and cause them to move deeper into the water,” Mr Basil explained.
The technology also includes a manual adjustment option that allows fishermen to select light intensities associated with particular species such as tilapia and catfish.
“This improves efficiency while also supporting conservation efforts by reducing the capture of unintended species,” he added.
Young Scientists Tanzania co-founder Mr Gozibert Kamugisha said the project demonstrates how young people are applying science and innovation to address real-world challenges.
“These projects show that science extends beyond the classroom. Young people are using scientific knowledge to solve problems affecting livelihoods and contribute to national development,” he said.
Karimjee Foundation executive officer Ms Careen Rowland said the programme has produced numerous success stories since its inception.
“We are proud to see young Tanzanians developing innovative solutions to challenges facing their communities. Many former participants have gone on to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation,” she said.
She added that the foundation has so far awarded scholarships to 53 students through the programme and plans to support another 53 this year.
The young innovators hope their technology can eventually be adopted by fishing communities across the country, helping to modernise the sector while supporting environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
