Biophysical Survey of Mafia Island Marine Reserves

the surf, caused by the heavy erosion brought on by high spring tides. The reef lies in a
line along the north-eastern and eastern sides of the island, and sea grass beds are found
in both shallow and deeper water sites around the island.
The marine reserve encompasses the following points:
1) Lat 7° 40’ 36”S, Long 39° 41’ 20”E
2) Lat 7° 41’ 20”S, Long 39° 42’ 04”E
3) Lat 7° 42’ 22”S, Long 39° 40’ 52”E
4) Lat 7° 41’ 41”S, Long 39° 40’ 18”E
Mbarakuni Island Marine Reserve (MBIMR) is both the smallest land area and reserve,
and is closest to Mafia at 7.4km. The reserve itself covers an area of roughly 3.8km²,
while the terrestrial environment is confined to an area 0.5km by 0.5km. Steep beaches
again abound here, and there is also a similar rock platform to that found on Shungimbili
Island along the northern side. Sandbar and rock platform areas become obvious at low
tide, when they are exposed to view. The reef lies on the north and eastern side of the
island. Extensive areas of shallow seagrass beds are found between the reef and the
island.
The reserve at Mbarakuni is included in the following points:
1) Lat 7° 42’ 30”S, Long 39° 44’ 13”E
2) Lat 7° 42’ 30”S, Long 39° 45’ 42”E
3) Lat 7° 43’ 28”S, Long 39° 45’ 42”E
4) Lat 7° 43’ 28”S, Long 39° 45’ 42”E
5) Lat 7° 43’ 28”S, Long 39° 44’ 13”E