Enhancing co-management and governance of marine resources.
In Kilwa Seascape of Southern Tanzania, the marine environment faces multi-faceted threats, including overfishing and unsustainable fishing management, damage to coral reefs and mangrove forests, and climate change. These threats impact both marine biodiversity and well-being of coastal communities, contributing to multidimensional poverty.
In response, Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs) have been established to enhance co-management and governance of marine resources. For example, temporary reef closures have been adopted as a strategy to optimise octopus yields while mitigating illegal fishing practices and promoting ecosystem recovery.
This project is focusing its activities on SOMAKI CFMA, encompassing eight Beach Management Units (BMUs) within Kilwa District. By focusing on capacity and awareness building, Action for Ocean is helping to strengthen the BMUs capacity for collaborative governance and decision-making processes within the CFMAs. Project activities include conducting training workshops, facilitating peer learning exchanges, and providing technical support to BMUs.
The project will also support BMUs to assess and refine their reef closure protocols for octopus fisheries through citizen science and community engagement, striking a balance between conservation goals and livelihood needs.
It is estimated that approximately 500 households directly involved in octopus fishing in Songomnara and Kilwa Kisiwani will benefit from these increased yields during the project period. Additionally, more than 1,000 households are expected to benefit from diversified livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism initiatives.
Image credit: Action for Ocean
