This document summarizes a study investigating community fishing practices around Mnemba Island, Tanzania. The study aimed to assess current fishing methods, targeted species, and whether demand from tourists has increased fishing of certain species. Data was collected through dockside monitoring, catch receipts, questionnaires. Traditional fishing methods like handlines and fish traps are used. While fish demand from the nearby lodge has risen, fishing practices appear sustainable and destructive methods are not used. The lodge supports local fishermen by purchasing their daily catch. Some conflict exists between fishing and tourist activities, but fishermen largely comply with conservation area restrictions. A follow up study in 2017 could provide additional insights.

1. AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMMUNITY FISHING
PRACTICES AROUND MNEMBA ISLAND,
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
Mr MZ Allie & Prof K Mearns
mearnkf@unisa.ac.za
University of South Africa

3. • Mnemba Island, Tanzania, which
lies approximately 4.5 kilometers
off the north-eastern coast of
Unguja Island.
• Mnemba Island covers and area of
approximately 18 hectares and has
a circumference of 1.5km.
• The Mnemba Island Marine
Conservation Area (MIMCA)
encompasses several reefs
surrounding the island. The fringing
reef consists of eleven individual
reef sites, including the House reef
and Kichwani reef.
Burning Issue

4. • With the establishment of the
&Beyond Lodge and zonation
restrictions of MIMCA, a 200m
exclusion perimeter was set around
the island.
• The 200m no-access perimeter
encompasses less than half of the
House reef, but a strict no-fishing
restriction is in place on the entire
reef.
Burning Issue

5. Study Aim
• Aimed at studying the characteristics of current fishing practices around Mnemba Island
Objectives of the study
• Assess current fishing practices and methods of fishing.
• Assess species of fish most targeted by fishermen and which species of fish are most sought after
for the markets.
• Investigate whether there is a rising trend for specific types of fish due to the increase in the
tourist market.
• Provide recommendations for the improvement on sustainable fishing practices.
• Provide input into the future management of the MIMCA.
Conflict between Fishermen, Tourist activities
and Mnemba Lodge exclusive use Zone.

6. • Single multi-method case study.
• Data collection involved data collection from dockside monitoring.
• Catch receipts were undertaken by the researcher by counting and taking photographs of fish
caught by means of patrolling the beach and waiting for fishermen to approach.
• Questionnaires and surveys: With local communities and local authorities.
• Fieldwork took place from July/August 2015/6/7
• The interviews and surveys with the fishermen focused on the following 4 categories:
Number of fishing boats on both the Mnemba Island reefs;
Number of fishermen infractions and perceived gear type;
Number of fishermen standing in the eulittoral zone; and
Number of fishing boats in the immediate vicinity of Mnemba Island
Research Design & Method

7. • List of fish species bought by Mnemba Island Lodge:
• The Lodge pays 8000 Tanzanian shillings/kilogram for fish and 5500 Tanzanian
shillings/kilogram of octopus. (US$3.50/kg & US$2.50/kg),(Before 2015, 5000TNS/kg fish
&3500TNS/kg octopus.)
• The Lodge can buy between 20 and 40 kilograms of fish per day.
Results

8. • Largest consumer of fish are the lodge staff.
• Study has shown that despite the rise in demand for fish in the area, no
apparent destructive fishing methods are used by the fishermen.
• Traditional fishing methods are used; handlines, fish traps and spear fishing.
• Data shows that there is no correlation between the number of fish bought
and the number of guests at the lodge at any given time.
• All fish brought to the island by the local fishermen is bought by the lodge
provided that they were the correct size and species.
• Fishermen are paid more by the Lodge for their catch (during Ramadaan).
• July and August of 2015 shows a significant drop in the amount of fish bought
by the lodge. This can be attributed to the fact that the local fishermen
boycotted the island during these months. Fishermen demanded a higher
price for the fish sold to the lodge.
Findings

9. 0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Fish Octopus

11. Traditional fish traps (Dema) alongside a traditional Ngalawa on
Matemwe beach

12. A local spear fisherman with his catch for the day, Eagle Ray
(Myliobatidae) and a Grouper fish (Serranidae). Eagle rays are a
common food source in Zanzibar.

13. • Yellow-fin tuna bought by the lodge on 21 August 2015. The tuna was bought in Stone Town. The
reason for this is due to the boycott on Mnemba Island from the local fishermen

14. • Perception that fish stocks are dropping and too many fishermen in the area. Data shows
otherwise.
• Lack of proper vessels to access deep sea fishing grounds.
• Economic situation of locals does not allow for fish to be stored (no freezers), hence small fish
are caught and bought by locals as consumption is easier.
• MIMCA zone is proving to be effective in terms of compliance from the local fishermen.
• Fishermen are adhering to the MIMCA zone restrictions
Contributions

15. • The Mnemba Island Lodge supports both the fishermen and MIMCA
(2019 renegotiate fish and Octopus prices)
• More conflict between dive activities and exclusive use than with
fishermen
• Spatial zoning with Fishermen very viable more problematic between
Mnemba Lodge and Dive activities
• More in depth study must be conducted for the area.
• A follow up study was conducted in 2017, the results of the study are
yet to be released.
Implications