Rufiji-Mafia Channel - Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries

The ecosystem approach to fisheries in the Rufiji – Mafia channel should not be limited to fisheries per se but should cover all activities that impact on the fisheries. These should include, but not be limited to, coastal mangrove forests (particularly those of Rufiji Delta which is being threatened by illegal felling and export of timber and estuaries and wetlands associated with mud flats, brackish water swamps. These ecosystems support a variety of aquatic flora and avifauna that include seabirds, mangrove king fishers, coastal waders and pelicans. Further, these ecosystems provide feeding, breeding and nursery areas for prawns, shellfish and finfish. Consequently the yields are higher from fisheries in the mangrove areas. Therefore, any fisheries conservation program must take into account mangrove conservation. The sea grass meadows and seaweeds are also important in the ecosystem of this area as they provide food and shelter for a variety of organisms living in the system. They provide important food for all herbivorous fishes such as siganids (rabbit fishes). The sea grasses grow best in quiet protected waters of healthy estuaries and lagoons, often in beds, or meadows that are easily delineated for classification as critical habitat areas. To ensure effective management of this ecosystem, the Tanzanian government proposed the following conservation action plans, in collaborative with key stakeholders, which will focus on promotion of sustainable use of natural resources :

• Through promotion of sustainable livelihoods (largely through improving mainstream livelihoods) to reduce pressure on resources and habitats.
• Through improved fisheries management that would promote technologies to reduce by catch in the prawn fishery.
• To develop management plans for marine resources, mangroves and fisheries, including community management, conservation and restoration of critical ecosystems (coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds) programs.
• Reduce sediment from rivers by promoting wise land use practices in river basins, in particular through promoting the development of river basin management plans.