DAR MARINE RESERVES
 
History of the management of the marine environment in Tanzania.

The marine environment and its resources support not only the local communities and coastal residents, but also the national economy. 

Studies as early as in the 1960s revealed that the marine environment and the resources are under pressure from unsustainable uses. 

Over fishing, destructive fishing practices, mangrove deforestation, coral mining, pollution, coastal construction and other misuses were degrading the coastal environment and its resources.

In the 1960s there were not enough legislation for the protection of the marine environment and its resources. The Fisheries Act of 1970 provided the first comprehensive legislation to safeguard the marine environment and it had a provision that the Minister of Natural Resources and / or the Director of Fisheries may declare a marine protected area if there is enough evidence that by doing so the environment and its resources as well as the national interest is not jeopardized. 

Objectives of an MPA:

Basically, MPA involve retaining some areas in their natural state, thus protecting ecosystems (habitats) and resources for maximum 
productivity as well as protecting scenic and coastal areas against abuse. The primary reasons for creating MPA include:

- to maintain essential ecological processes and life support systems;
- to ensure the sustainable utilization of species and ecosystem; and to preserve
   biotic diversity.

The essential components of an MPA which make management easier compared with non-MPA include: 

- Defined management boundaries, 
- Clear knowledge of the location and quantities of resources to be protected, 
- agreed strategies for resource harvesting procedures, 
- Management structure and technical advisory systems, 
- Agreed set of regulations and means of enforcing legislations, 
- Strategy for resource marketing and poverty alleviation to local communities around the MPAs (especially for the disadvantaged 
groups) and education and other forms of environmental awareness. 

The absence of these elements has complicated management of marine environment and its resources, especially in the current situation of free entry (absence of ownership) to the resource base.

The Dar-es-salaam Marine Reserves (DMR) comprises of Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, Mbudya Island Marine Reserve, Pangavini Marine Reserve and Fungu Yasini Marine Reserve.These islands were gazetted in June 1975 by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism after it was found that the reserves had abundant resources that were in need of protection. 

See maps; Map 01 - The Bathymetry (water depth) in Dar Marine Reserve System.
                  Map 02 - The distribution of Coral reefs in Dar Marine Reserve System.
                  Map 03 - The 10m depth contours which mark the borders or reserves.

The reserves system has a total area of 15km2, with Mbudya Island Marine Reserve being the largest and Funguyasini Island, the smallest.

Three islands are composed of both marine and terrestrial sedimentary rocks while one is a sand dune.

In all island reserves the surrounding reef is very shallow and access is difficult at low water tide except at few areas. The Intertidal zone surrounding the island comprises small sandy beaches and coral based rocky flats.

The Dar es Salaam marine reserves system are unique due to their proximity to 
Dar es Salaam city, potential biodiversity and richness, good scenic diving and snorkeling sites; ideal refugee for marine birds and good sites for Dolphin viewing.

Occasionally whales have been spotted (Humpback whale) on the deep waters around the reserves during the months of May to August.

The ever-increasing population of Dar es Salaam city currently at 2.5 million people, the beach sports and leisure demand by the city residents, poses multiple threats to the short and long term conservation endeavors of the reserves. 

Threats on the resources around include illegal and destructive fishing methods such as dynamite fishing, drug and pull net fishing over the coral reefs, seine nets and spear gun fishing. However, the introduction of active day and night patrols has ended the menace.

Proximity to Tanzania’s port city of Dar es salaam presents a challenge to its management. 

The Marine Parks and Reserves, Tanzania is working on a strategy to develop a participatory General management plan for the whole system to rationalize resources demand and conservation needs of the marine system.

It has put in place EIA investment guidelines for potential investors on the island reserves and other MPAs countrywide. 

VISITORS FACILITIES

* Visitors use the Dar Marine Reserve as day light resorts. The number of visitors increases at the weekends and during public holidays. Facilities available on the islands open to visitation include shades (bandas), information board and nature trails. 

In the islands of Kendwa and Makatube no facilities have been put in place so far. Private boats from Dar Yatch Club visit the area and few from local individuals. Efforts are underway to establish interpretative information centers on visited Islands.

Visitors could be served with bites, drinks and fresh cooked fish served by local community members who also are responsible for tour guide, security and first aid. The community members also play a vital role of being honorary rangers for the Marine Parks and Reserves in all activities related to conservation and protection of the environment. 

Collect your user fee tickets at the hotels along the coast before you come over the island to avoid disturbances. Take note that it is illegal to visit Islands without a valid ticket. Locals and non-locals are highly encouraged to visit the area. 

> Bongoyo Island

> Sinda ( Inner and Outer )

> Makatube ( Inner and Outer )

> Kendwa