The restored mangroves provide critical breeding grounds for fish and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, supporting biodiversity and strengthening community resilience
Dar es Salaam. Conservation organisation Sea Sense has restored 5.4 acres of mangroves in Mkuranga District as part of efforts to protect Tanzania’s marine ecosystems from the growing threats of climate change and destructive fishing practices.
The restored mangroves provide critical breeding grounds for fish and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, supporting biodiversity and strengthening community resilience.
Sea Sense project officer Ronny Mwapili said during a recent working session with Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Mkuranga that climate change was driving sea level rise, ocean warming, and coral bleaching, all of which were disrupting fish breeding grounds.
“Our priority is to restore marine areas and maintain their ecological balance,” he said, noting that the organisation had also facilitated the establishment of 11 BMUs to strengthen local management of fishing activities.
The BMUs, now registered with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, are tasked with monitoring and enforcing fishing regulations at the village level. Mr Mwapili said their work was already helping to reverse damage caused by unregulated and illegal fishing.
“Communities are beginning to report signs of recovery in fish breeding areas, which shows that the system is working,” he added.
Sea Sense has also contributed to the National Action Plan for Sea Turtle Management (2024–2029), which aims to protect endangered sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. Implementation of the plan is expected to begin soon.
Mkuranga District Fisheries Officer Lucia Balilemwa commended Sea Sense for its work over the past three years, saying it had been instrumental in reducing illegal fishing and mangrove destruction.
“Community education remains critical,” she said. “Protecting marine resources is not just about conserving biodiversity but also about sustaining livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.”
Local BMU leaders, including Kisiju Village BMU Secretary Swalha Msomi and Nganje Village BMU chairperson Haji Mlawa, said conservation efforts were showing results but stressed the need to overcome limited awareness and negative attitudes in some communities.
They pledged to continue working with Sea Sense and government authorities to expand education and protect marine resources for future generations.
