Coral Reefs and Their Management in Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract-Coral reefs are very important in Tanzania, both ecologically and socio-economically, as major fishing grounds and tourist attractions. Numerous fringing and patch reefs are located along about two-thirds of Tanzania's coastline. These reefs have been partially to severely degraded by human (primarily destructive fishing practices) and natural (particularly coral bleaching) causes. These immediate human causes have been brought about by various socioeconomic root causes, particularly poverty and lack of proper management. After decades of human and natural impacts there has been only limited reef recovery. This paper presents a region-by-region analysis of trends in the condition of coral reefs in Tanzania in relation to the causes of damage.While earlier approaches to management were aimed at non-use of coral reefs in marine protected areas (seldom achieved), recent approaches have aimed at integrated coastal management (ICM) (whether in programs or conservation areas), where zonation into core protected areas and multiple-use areas is based on participatory decision-making involving fishing communities and other stakeholders. Some management initiatives also involve communities in reef monitoring, restoration and ecotourism. This paper examines the management approaches and strategies implemented by various ICM programs, conservation areas and marine parks in Tanzania. It also provides recommendations for further research and coral reef management strategies.

Rebuilding coral reefs: success (and failure) 16 years after low‐cost, low‐tech restoration

“…Indonesia hosts expansive and diverse coral reefs in varying states of health (Cesar ; Burke et al ). One motivation for reef restoration in Indonesia has been in response to an acute local stressor on coral reefs: the use of dynamite or “blast” fishing, which can reduce entire reefs to rubble (Moore & Erdmann ; Wagner ). Blast fishing has been successfully reduced or eliminated in many areas (Slade & Kalangahe ) through enhanced enforcement and spatial protection (i.e.…”

Anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs and their effect on fishery of Kilwa District, Tanzania

“…In contrast, fishing activities are conducted throughout the year acting a major source of food that supplies 90% of consumed animal protein and the perpetual, year-round source of income (Wagner, 2005). Most fishery activities are practiced within a narrow range of shallow water along the coastal areas that include sea grass beds, mangrove and coral reefs (Jiddawi and Öhman, 2002;Wagner, 2004).…”

The Dar es Salaam Seascape: A Case Study of an Environmental Management ‘Hotspot’

“…The critical consequences of destructive fishing practices are that they reduce the total habitat space and decrease the variety of microhabitats by simplifying the topography. The most unsustainable destructive practice is dynamite fishing, which was commonplace in Dar es Salaam from the 1960s until 1997 (Horrill et al, 2000;Wagner, 2004a) and which is still continuing at a lower level to the present day. Numerous blasts, each of which kills all life within a radius of 15-20 m (Guard & Masaiganah, 1997) and turns the reef structure into rubble within a radius of several meters (Wagner, 2004a), occurring every day over a period of about three decades has had severe impacts on the Dar es Salaam reefs.…”

“…The principal outstanding issues or pressures include increasing demands for marine and coastal resources due to rapid population rise; persistence of destructive fishing practices; unsustainable resource utilization, particularly overfishing and overharvesting of mangroves, excessive collection of molluscs and sea cucumbers; and pollution of various types. Fine-mesh seine nets (i.e., nets with meshes of 1 cm), which are illegal, continue to be manufactured by local industries and are readily available in the shops (Kinondoni Municipal Council, 2003;Wagner, 2004a; Board of Trustees for Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania, 2005).…”

“…In 1994, DMRS was placed under the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) and, since then, a collaborative management approach has been taken (Horrill et al, 2000). MPRU has been enforcing regulations and conducting surveillance for destructive fishing practices in the DMRS through cooperation with the marine police; has engaged local youth as honorary rangers, giving them training in customer care and hospitality; has conducted awareness raising activities amongst fishermen and has constructed mooring buoys near some reefs to help prevent anchor and boat grounding damage (Wagner, 2004a; Board of Trustees for Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania, 2005).…”