History Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit

harbour @ mafia island

marine reserves had been first surveyed , have existed in tanzania since 1960s. however, reserves , biodiversity not under specific management or institution, rather under jurisdiction of department of fisheries. there no real interest or debate regarding marine reserves until 1980. in 1980 villagers of mafia district desired establish protected area around island , rejuvenated talks , national interest establish marine protected areas in country. in late 1980s , beginning of 1990 government began draft legislature establishment of marine parks , reserves unit. in 1994 parliament passed marine parks , reserves act established organization. organization falls under ministry of livestock , fisheries , responsible electing board. act first time in tanzania, provided legal framework conservation , management marine environments. organization responsible regulating local fishing in reserves , supervise commercial , tourist operations. framework mafia island marine park declared first marine park in mainland tanzania in 1995.