MARINE PARKS IN TANZANIA
MAFIA ISLAND MARINE PARK
The marine park at Mafia Island extends over 822km2, with more than 75% of it below the high-water mark. The area hosts an outstanding mosaic of tropic marine habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and inter- tidal flats. Two species of sea turtle use Mafia’s beaches as nesting grounds and the area has been recognized internationally as a critical site for biodiversity. Several sites of historic ruins lie within the marine park area, some dating back to the C13th. Mafia Island’s separation from the mainland and its freedom from industrial development have ensured that its surrounding waters are some of the least contaminated in Tanzania. The marine park area has national importance as one of the few remaining reef complexes within Tanzania’s coastal waters in relatively untouched condition.
Activities include snorkelling, deep sea diving, beach walks and camping.
MANZI BAY RUVUMA ESTUARY MARINE PARK
With varied ecosystems and a great diversity of marine life the mangrove fringed forests along the Ruvuma Estuary serve as reproductive and nursery grounds for many fish and crustacean species. Seagrass beds likewise constitute an important feeding ground for a number of marine species. Surveys have found over 250 species of hard coral, 400 species of fish, and 100 species of echinoderms within the Park’s reefs. The marine and coastal plants and animals found within the Park are there because of the climate, the physical features, the influences of the Indian Ocean, and the overall integrity of the combination of habitat.
Activities include snorkelling, deep sea diving, beach walks and camping.
TANGA COLEACANTH MARINE PARK
This park is internationally renowned for the presence and high abundance of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. The rare ‘living fossil’ fish were re-discovered in the coastal waters off Tanzania in 2003. Since then has been sighted frequently within the TACMP area. Today, many of the park’s residents see the coelacanth as an icon for their rich coastal resources and opportunities for eco-tourism. Marine life consists of endangered species like dugong, which was sighted in 2006 off Kigombe, sea turtles, tropical fish species and migratory water birds. The park is focusing intensely on Coelacanth protection as a key component for achieving its species and biodiversity conservation objective.
Activities include snorkelling, deep sea diving, beach walks and camping.
MARINE RESERVES IN TANZANIA
Dar es salaam Marine Reserve System (DMRS)
Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve
Mbudya Island Marine Reserve
Pangavini Island Marine Reserve
Fungu Yasin Marine Reserve
Sinda Island Marine Reserve
Kendwa Island Marine Reserve
Makatube Island Marine Reserve
Tanga Marine Reserve System
Kwale Island Marine Resereve
Kirui Island Marine Reserve
Ulenge Island Marine reseve
Mwewe Island Marine Reserve