Dr. Flower Ezekiel Msuya, Tanzania’s pioneering phycologist specializing in algaculture (seaweed farming) and integrated aquaculture, passed away on August 3rd, 2025.
WIOMSA honours the remarkable legacy of Dr. Msuya, a scientist, leader, and educator dedicated to the development of seaweed production in Tanzania, the Western Indian Ocean, and beyond. As an exceptional and long-standing WIOMSA and Network of Women in Marine Science (WiMS) member, Dr. Msuya was not only an outstanding researcher but also a foundational and inspirational figure for a generation of seaweed scientists and communities seeking her guidance and leadership.
The loss of Dr. Msuya leaves a significant gap not only in the marine science community but also among the many individuals and communities she inspired and tirelessly supported. A compassionate advocate for gender equity, Dr. Msuya uplifted tens of thousands of women in Zanzibar and beyond, equipping them with knowledge and innovative techniques for cultivating seaweed while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Today, thanks to her relentless efforts, seaweed farming employs over 15,000 people in Zanzibar, 80% of whom are women. “We have 25 groups of farmers and producers of seaweed products who actually eat seaweed at home. This is very inspiring for me – to know that I have changed people’s mindsets and culture in a positive way…” she stated in one of her articles for WIOMSA magazine. This growing industry has not only transformed the local economy but has also expanded to the mainland of Tanzania. Dr. Msuya’s influence extended to neighboring countries as she shared her knowledge and passion for seaweed cultivation.
Dr. Msuya was a true champion for seaweed and coastal communities. Her legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals across Tanzania and beyond. As we reflect on her life, may we remember her as a visionary, a leader, and a source of strength for all those she touched. “My advice to young women marine researchers and resource management scientists is that ‘they can.’ They should ‘dare’ and move forward with a go-go-go attitude and not succumb to those who want to pull them down.”
May Dr. Msuya’s soul rest in peace. Her impact will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she inspired and the communities she transformed.
Photo Credit: genderaquafish.org
