Marine Parks and Reserves Unit
About the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit
The development of marine parks and reserves in Tanzania dates back to the 1960s when surveys of marine habitats were conducted mainly for coral reefs and many sites were legislated as marine reserves in the mid-1970s. However, no specific administrative and institutional mechanisms have been put in place to effectively manage the reserves except for the allocation of authority to manage the fisheries.
The desire of Mafia villagers to establish a protected area in their waters in the late 1980s revived the national interest in establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) in Tanzania. Subsequently, a number of basic studies were conducted to investigate marine resources and their uses in the mafia. Studies have identified Mafia Island as a suitable location for the establishment of the nation’s first marine park.
Beginning in the 1990s, the government worked hard in collaboration with other key stakeholders to ensure that ideas for creating marine parks and reserves in the country became a reality through the development of relevant law. In 1994, Parliament enacted legislation specifically dealing with the management of marine parks and protected areas No. 29 of 1994. The law provides a legal framework for the conservation, management and wise use of the marine environment with its abundant fauna and flora. It also provides for all reasonable uses by fishermen, commercial operators, holiday signs, scientists, divers, photographers and reef watchers. Under this legislation, Mafia Island Marine Park was declared the first marine park in mainland Tanzania in 1995.
With the powers entrusted to it under Law No. 29 of 1994, the then Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism in 1996 appointed the Board of Trustees of Marine Parks and Reserves as the semi-autonomous governing body responsible for formulating policies, managing and managing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the state. In 1999, five (5) marine reserves published in the Official Gazette under the Fisheries Act 1970, were placed under the administration of the Ministry of Planning, Research and Public Relations. Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) and Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TACMP) were declared the second and third marine parks in 2000 and 2009, respectively. There are currently three (3) marine parks and fifteen (15) marine reserves operating under the MPRU.
A marine park is a specialized version of a marine reserve where multiple users and residences are encouraged through a strict zoning scheme, and a focus on education, recreation and conservation through a participatory management approach is highly recommended.
The following are the marine parks managed by the Marine Parks and Sanctuaries Unit
The Mafia Island marine park area spans an area of 822 square kilometres, more than 75% of which is under the high water mark. The area hosts a fascinating mosaic of tropical marine habitats including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and tidal flats. In addition, the remaining mass of threatened low-lying coastal forest lives along the eastern coast of the island, about half of which is within the boundaries of the marine park. Two species of sea turtles use mafia beaches as nesting places and the area has been recognized internationally as an important biodiversity site. Several historical archaeological sites lie within the Marine Park area, some dating back to the 13th century. Mafia Island’s secession from the mainland and its freedom from industrial development ensured that the surrounding waters were among the least polluted in Tanzania. The marine park area has national significance as one of the few remaining reef complexes within Tanzania’s coastal waters in a relatively uptake state.
Vision
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Tanzania have become a source of happiness and pride for all.
Expedition
To establish and manage marine reserves in Tanzania for sustainable use.
Logo
Let’s share the gift of nature together
core values
Marine and coastal resources are conserved for sustainable development.
Communities participate and participate fully in the management (conservation and sustainable use) of marine and coastal resources.
The management of marine reserves and the provision of high-quality services from them is carried out efficiently.
CONTACTS
HEAD OFFICE
MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES UNIT.
P.O.BOX 7565
DAR ES SALAAM
Box 7565 , Upanga Area
Olympio Street
+255(0) 22 2150 621
+255(0) 22 2150 621
marineparks@marineparks.go.tz
dar.reserve@marineparks.go.tz
MAFIA ISLAND MARINE PARK
Box 74 Mafia
255(0) 23 2402526
mafiaisland@marineparks.go.tz
MNAZI BAY –RUVUMA ESTUARY MARINE PARK
BOX 845 MTWARA
+ 255(0) 23 233259
mnazibay@marineparks.go.tz
TANGA COELACANTH MARINE PARK
P.O.BOX 5362 TANGA
+255(0) 683 092444
tanga@marineparks.go.tz
MAZIWE MARINE RESERVE
P.O.BOX 5362 TANGA
+255(0) 683 092444
tanga@marineparks.go.tz