RESULTS OF INITIAL ASSESSMENT OF THE RESERVES

In general the Reserves assessed were in good conditions the corals healthy and fish species diverse. There were a variety of terrestrial, inter tidal and sub tidal habitats thus increasing potential species richness. However there were obvious indicators of degradation, littering, pollution and exploitation of resources.

The local hotels from both natural materials and concrete filled tyres have built sea defences. There is also evidence of crows on the islands which are affecting the number of indigenous wildlife, this could be caused by litter and food remains dropped by visitors.

The islands are close and easily accessible from mainland especially from the environs of Dar es Salaam.
This makes them obvious tourist attraction and resource to fishermen. Boats regularly take tourists to both islands, causing anchor damage on the coral reef.

Local mainland hotels have erected limited infrastructure bands in particular and refreshments such as fish and chips are served. The hotels using these islands appear to be sensitive to potential degradation and the effect that it is likely to have on their trade.

However, there is indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of jet skis, private motor boats and yachts, diving and snorkeling.

The Reserves provide valuable income to the local people through the tourist trade but local fishermen have caused exploitation of some of the commercial species and degradation of the reef for curios.

The Board of Trustees for Marine Parks and Reserves is charged with the responsibility of putting in place proper and effective management of the above resources with a goal to sustain those resources in the spirit of collaborative management.

This is considered as a matter of importance to the healthy biodiversity and longevity of the Reserves.

From initial observations the coral and fish species appeared similar in both of the Reserves but this will be subject to more detailed assessment to determine species richness and importance.

General habitats and substrata included sand, rock and sea grass beds; including hard corals (predominantly Porites spp), soft corals (dominated by Sarcophyton and Sinularia spp),the sea grass Thallasodendron ciliatum, and the Machroalgaes Jania, Codium, Padina, Sargassum. Dicyota, colonies of blue tube sponges were present.

Mobile fauna included butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae), Sweetlips (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae),Banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus),sea urchins (Diadema spp), Giant clams (Tridana spp), octopus (Octopus vulgaris) Tiger cowries (Cyprae tigris), sea stars (Protoreaster licks), and several species of Nudibranch (Nudibranchia).

Others include hermit crabs (Anomura), cushion stars (Culcita schmideliana) and edible sea cucumbers (of genera: Holothuria spp, Stichopus spp, Actinoppyga spp, Bohadschia spp)


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Other observations within the area:

* Pangavini Island has no beaches and visitors generally do not land here, as access is difficult due to the surrounding coral reef- it is a sort of a natural deterrent.

* The sea buses to and from Zanzibar occur at least 4 times a day. Their route at present runs past the reserves and may touch on the reserves boundaries.

* The White Sands Hotel and possible other hotels have sea defences that have been built both out of natural; materials and other debris such as concrete filled tyres.

* Any alterations will have an effect on the local hydrodynamics of the area and this may contribute to the erosion seen on the sheltered side of both Bongoyo and Mbudya.

* Sewage from both the hotels is apparently discharged on into the lagoon.

* Other activities provided by the hotels include paragliding, sub-aqua, jet ski, sailing, water skiing and a glass bottomed boat.

* There has apparently been an increase in the number of crows on the islands which are "chasing away" the indigenous wildlife. This may be result of litter although the hotel staff that man the bandas for security do clear up at the end of each day - other visitors may not.

* Curio trade - there are various huts along the coastal road that are selling a diverse and very impressive array of shells, corals and other curios. Although the White Sands Hotel discourage their visitors not to buy such goods it is not surer if the other hotels take this attitude. In addition although the White Sands Hotel does not sell such curios it is not far for a visitor to see such trade.

CONCLUSION

From the initial race it is obvious that the Reserves provide an important resource for commercial activities and tourism for the local people. Whilst the corals appear healthy and the fish species indicate diversity it is also apparent that they are being negatively impacted upon by these uses.

Human activities however, cause direct and indirect degradation by means of coral damage, over fishing, sale of marine resources (fish, shells and corals) pollution, littering and trampling. It was also evident that visitors to the island were unaware of the status of the Reserves, their importance as marine habitats or of the regulations associated with them.

Currently, the government through the Board of Trustees is undertaking deliberate efforts to ensure that the following happens on the island:

* Effective community based surveillance and enforcement is established.
* Facilities like toilets and general cleanliness on the Islands is improved.
* General information and guidelines to all visitors are provided on the island.

The costs associated with the above outputs will be met by the user-fees currently paid by any one who happens to be a visitor on any of the islands.

The funds obtained from the fees are directly deposited in the Conservation and Development Fund (CDTF) for subsequent use as decided by the Board and its partners. More detailed information on the fund can be made available to any person if requested.