The Marine Park and Reserves Unit (Hifahi akiba za Bahari ya Tanzania, in Swahili) of Tanzania was formed in 1994 under the Marine Parks and Reserve Act No 29, of 1994. The headquarters are located in Upanga West ward of Ilala District in Dar es Salaam Region. Previously all marine life and biodiversity was under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The population along the 1400 km Tanzanian coastline has reached to over 10 million and the increase in number of people whose livelihood depends on the marine resource has also increased. The increase in population has caused various threats to the marine life due to over fishing, coral mining and unplanned increase in settlements. To protect the marine biodiversity the Government of Tanzania established the Marine Park and Reserves unit in 1994 with Mafia Island Marine Park as the first marine park.
Beneath the Waves: A 25-Year Voyage Towards Abundance in Tanzania's Waters
The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and fish as a weathered dhow glides across the turquoise canvas of the Indian Ocean, its silhouette a timeless echo of Tanzania's fishing heritage. For generations, the rhythm of...