Coastal resources utilization and conservation issues in Bagamoyo, Tanzania

A study was carried out to provide information about the importance of the management of coastal resources in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The results showed that the coral reefs at Mwamba Kuni and Mshingwi are the main fishing grounds for the artisanal fishermen. Trawlers compete and conflict with artisanal fishermen. The mangroves provide habitats for fish and other animals and are a source of fuelwood, charcoal, fishing stakes, building materials, and traditional medicines. Solar salt production is also an important activity. Although Bagamoyo depends on renewable resources, the harvesting rates of most resources are not known. Habitat destruction and overexploitation of resources have resulted in declining catches. There is unawareness among the resource users of the linkages between the various coastal ecosystems, but they do have vast traditional knowledge about the resources. In this article, we present the crustacean resources, fish, sea cucumbers, mangrove products, coral reefs, tourism, and salt production activities.