PARKS

1. Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park (TACMP)

Overview

TACMP is unique nationally and internationally for the presence and high abundance of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. The rare 'alive' fish were rediscovered in Tanzanian coastal waters in 2003, and since then they have been regularly seen in the TACMP area. Today, many residents of the park see the coelacanth as an icon of their rich coastal resources and ecotourism opportunities. In addition, the TACMP is home to other endangered species such as the dugong, which was spotted in 2006 near Kigombe, sea turtles and migratory waterfowl. The park aims to address the issues of unsustainable use of resources and practices, focusing on the protection of the Coelacanth as the main point of access to its species and the goal of biodiversity conservation.

        2. Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP)

Overview

The marine park area at Mafia Island extends across some 822km2, 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. In addi-tion, a remnant block of threatened lowland coastal forest survives along the eastern seaboard of the island, roughly half of it within the marine park boundary. 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 intake condition.

           3. Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves Systems (DMRS)

Overview

Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve system (DMRS) comprise of seven (7) islands and one (1) sand dune located north and south Dares Salaam city. These marine reserves are managed as single system or cluster due to its nature of being uninhabited but stands as outpost for varieties of animals and plants including endangered species. DMRs North comprise the islands of Bongoyo, Pangavini, Mbudya and Funguyasini sand dune, they were gazetted in 1975 by GN No. 137 and 150 of 1975 located at Kinondoni District. The reserves, by that time were under the management of Tanzania Fisheries Division. Effective management of DMRS north was realized in 2002 after it management being placed under the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit. DMRs South comprise of 3 islands of Inner & Outer Sinda, Inner & Outer Makatube and Kendwa located south of Dar es Salaam city in Kigamboni District, gazette in 2007 by GN No. 52 on March 2007.

          4. Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP)

Overview