MAFIA ISLAND MARINE PARK
(Project T20057)
Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) was gazetted in April 1995 to conserve part
of one of the most diverse marine and coastal ecosystems in East Africa.
MIMP protects habitats such as hard coral dominated reefs, soft coral and
algal dominated reefs, sheltered back reef systems, inter-tidal flats,
mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sub-tidal beds of algae, sponge and
soft coral. The area includes critical habitat for the dugong and five
species of threatened sea turtles, and has been recognised as a critical
site for biodiversity.
The fisheries around Mafia Island provide much of the area's local food
needs, as well as substantial income for the community. However, the
productivity of Mafia's marine and coastal habitats is under threat, and
these threats are cumulative. They include recent rises in the occurrence
of dynamite fishing, increased use of seine nets, coral mining, anchor
damage, and pollution from terrestrial run-off and ship discharges. These
pressures are further compounded by continued population increases and
unregulated tourist developments along the coastal strip.
This project supports priority conservation and development activities.
Proposed activities focus on working with Mafia communities to improve
management practices and decision-making links, strengthening participation
of the Mafia community, consolidating infrastructure and staff, and
providing a day-to-day management framework for the Park.
This project supports priority conservation and development activities.
Dynamite fishing, one of the most serious and destructive threats to the
environment, has been curtailed through the use of a WWF patrol boat and
close collaboration with local authorities. In addition, an extensive radio
network has been established which serves the dual purpose of anti-dynamite
surveillance and facilitating intercommunity communications. Local
development activities include support to community schools and assistance
to a women's weaving cooperative.