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Biophysical Survey of Mafia Island Marine Reserves

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d) Fish abundance<br />

The highest abundance <strong>of</strong> juvenile emperors was recorded for the shallow and<br />

deep seagrass habitats at MBIMR out <strong>of</strong> all the habitats surveyed (Figure 34). These<br />

areas were also found to support large populations <strong>of</strong> seagrass Parrotfish (Leptoscerus<br />

vaigiensis) (Figure 34). In total, fish were recorded in half <strong>of</strong> the categories looked for. In<br />

contrast to the seagrass habitats around SIMR, no Barracuda, Surgeonfish, or Rabbit Fish<br />

were observed. This suggests that there is lower overall diversity at MBIMR.<br />

Average abundance (+/- SE)<br />

35<br />

30<br />

25<br />

20<br />

15<br />

10<br />

5<br />

0<br />

damselfish<br />

goatfish<br />

cigar wrasse<br />

bird wrasse<br />

other wrasse<br />

snapper<br />

emperor<br />

emperor juvenile<br />

fuseliers<br />

SG parrot<br />

parrot<br />

surgeon<br />

pufferfish<br />

sergeantfis<br />

barracuda<br />

razorfish<br />

rabbitfish<br />

demoiselle<br />

cardinalfish<br />

toby<br />

grouper<br />

other<br />

Mbarakuni Shallow Mbarakuni Deep<br />

Figure 34. Average abundance (+/- SE) <strong>of</strong> fish within shallow and deep sea grass beds for all fish swims<br />

completed<br />

4. Stakeholder identification & analysis<br />

Mbarakuni was observed to have a seasonal fishing camp where a maximum <strong>of</strong><br />

approximately 30 fishers were based on a short term rolling basis. During the season <strong>of</strong><br />

northerly monsoon (November to March), the camp was vacated. Most visiting vessels<br />

were canoes and short range sailing vessels such as ‘ngalawas’ and fishing was generally<br />

artisanal. However, there were also some motorised commercial activities, notably

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