Biophysical Survey of Mafia Island Marine Reserves

lobster fishing. A foreign financed lobster (Panulirus spp.) fishing operation was based
on the island during the study period, except during periods of bad weather. The lobsters
caught were reported to be solely for export to Dar Es Salaam where they would fetch a
higher price. The operation used a 15hp motorboat, diving cylinders and a compressor
operated from the island. As the fishers were reported to be paid per unit catch and were
using SCUBA diving techniques, harvest levels may be beyond sustainable yield. Many
of the explored areas showed evidence of high levels of exploitation, such as full or
partial remains of lobsters left on the reef.
D. Fish Species List
A fish species list was compiled during visits to all three reserve areas. The
information was collected both within the context of other surveys, and in the interest of
species data gathering. Where possible, fish observed were identified to the lowest
possible taxonomic level. The fish species list is not definitive and further survey work,
particularly for smaller cryptic species, would be likely to extend it much further. The
species lists are included in appendix 1.
V. Discussion
A. NIMR
NIMR encompasses a range of marine habitats that include high density
scleractinian coral reefs, mixed reef habitats dominated by soft coral species, seagrass
beds, and macroalgae habitats. Shallow marine habitats are found predominantly to the
east of the island at distance of 4.5km from the island shore. To the west of the island the
slope drops quickly down to 12m, with deeper areas composed of sand flats. A sand bar
lies 1.8km to the south of the island and is surrounded by a mixed community of
seagrass, corals and other benthic organisms.