{"id":32075,"date":"2024-06-23T23:04:16","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T03:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/how-islanders-are-saving-their-indian-ocean-coral-reef\/23\/06\/2024\/"},"modified":"2024-06-23T23:04:16","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T03:04:16","slug":"how-islanders-are-saving-their-indian-ocean-coral-reef","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/how-islanders-are-saving-their-indian-ocean-coral-reef\/23\/06\/2024\/","title":{"rendered":"How islanders are saving their Indian Ocean coral reef"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Looking out now over the Indian Ocean from Mnemba Island, it is hard to believe that just three years ago the stunning coral reef surrounding this part of Tanzania\u2019s Zanzibar archipelago was dying.<\/p>\n<p>Under threat from climate change, overfishing and other human activity, the islanders faced losing their livelihoods and the prospect of moving away altogether.<\/p>\n<p>Anxious to save the colourful, oval-shaped reef that is fairly close to the shore and around 7km (4.3 miles) in length, communities on the small island have embraced a conservation project which has managed to restore some of what has been lost.<\/p>\n<p>The initiative also aims in other ways to protect the reef, which is known around the world for its beauty.<\/p>\n<p>The water is so clear that the reef, which lies 10m (32ft) below the surface, seems almost within touching distance.<\/p>\n<p>But a few years ago locals began to notice how stressed the coral was looking &#8211; part of this was due to the changing climate, which has brought warmer sea temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>Coral may look like a plant, but it is a kind of animal &#8211; in fact multiple tiny creatures called polyps. They grow very slowly and make a hard outer shell by extracting salt from seawater, then fuse together to make what are called colonies.<\/p>\n<p>Reefs are sometimes referred to as the &#8220;rainforests of the sea\u201d because they create ecosystems that support a diverse range of marine life.<\/p>\n<p>But when the water heats up by a few degrees more than normal it causes the coral to drive out the brightly coloured algae that live within and provide nutrients. As the algae leave, the coral fades, becomes bleached and eventually dies.<\/p>\n<p>Dynamite being used by fishermen has also been killing off the coral, as well as the volume of unregulated tourist boats and divers causing damage to the reef.<\/p>\n<p>Mnemba Island fishmonger Juma Mshindan says it became clear something was very wrong: \u201cThere is a significant difference in the availability of fish before compared to now. In the past, fish were plentiful.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 540px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/CQQ9g08BSQ4nyQ4NO39yxA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTI0MDA7aD0xMzUw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/701f7b7a479c6d5cb5134d457b15f748\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Aerial view of Mnemba\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/DEnOJbH5eUq5k9Ynwylriw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/701f7b7a479c6d5cb5134d457b15f748\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">The coral reef can be easily seen through the clear water around the island [Oceans Without Borders]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The sustainable tourism group &amp;Beyond and non-profit organisation Africa Foundation began collaborating with islanders in September 2021 to help address some of these issues.<\/p>\n<p>Underwater nurseries were created using steel-mesh tables, where coral fragments are grown to be replanted on the coral reef.<\/p>\n<p>They are tended and nurtured by local divers who have been trained as conservation rangers.<\/p>\n<p>It takes about two or three months for a coral colony to form and then the rangers take them to the reef.<\/p>\n<p>The results so far are encouraging, with 80% coverage restored on what is called the \u201chouse reef\u201d which surrounds the island.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s like they have grown by themselves,\u201d says conservation ranger Hija Uledi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have restored the reef, and you can&#8217;t tell the difference. Now they have fish around. The work is great, and many species can be seen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The conservationists also created artificial reefs &#8211; steel and stone structures which were placed about 3km off the island and where the conservation rangers also plant newly grown coral from the nurseries.<\/p>\n<p>These are intended to help replenish marine life &#8211; which benefits fishermen and they have also become destinations for snorkellers and divers.<\/p>\n<p>Dr Camilla Floros, principal scientist with Africa Foundation\u2019s Oceans Without Borders programme, says the ongoing restoration scheme is careful to work with the right materials &#8211; learning from past mistakes around the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen artificial reefs were in their infancy, people used the wrong materials such as tyres to try and create them, which is not the right approach,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>The success of regeneration work around Mnemba Island is thanks to support of the local community, Dr Floros acknowledges.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhenever we have a new initiative, we discuss it with them, and we get their buy-in,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Atuwa Omar is one local resident who has become involved in the restoration. Before taking up a position as a conservation ranger, the 24-year-old was at home looking after her young child.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Being a ranger in this project at Mnemba Island not only enables me to provide food for my family but also supports my son&#8217;s education,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Though Ms Omar admits it has not been easy for her, as she is the only woman working on the project.<\/p>\n<p>She has faced conservative attitudes from some who do not want women involved &#8211; but she says such challenges have been worth it.<\/p>\n<p>The conservation groups have been working hand-in-glove with the local authorities and the seas around Mnemba were designated a protected area by the government of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania, in 2022.<\/p>\n<p>This means that action can now be taken to limit the damage caused by tourists and fishermen.<\/p>\n<p>Bakari Jaha, co-ordinator of Africa Foundation Zanzibar, points to the amount of tourist traffic that used to visit the house reef.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInitially, the area faced significant pressure from tourism, with 200 boats carrying at least 400 guests entering an area of only 200 sq metres,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo preserve the area, the government, along with &amp;Beyond and the Africa Foundation, decided to limit the number of visitors to 80.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the past, visitors were charged $3 (\u00a32.40) &#8211; this cost has now been increased to $25.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis approach has not only enhanced environmental preservation but also increased revenue,\u201d says Mr Jaha.<\/p>\n<p>Fishing has also been suspended around the house reef as it is being restored.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ve seen positive changes. Illegal practices, like the use of dynamite, have decreased, and fishermen have become more knowledgeable about sustainable fishing methods,\u201d says fisherman Mshenga Ally.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 525px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:56%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/qJrpxlOdzGTWTiaBI5CaAg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTE4NjY7aD0xMDUw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/35d5afecd027624de126c6147ce5329d\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"Traditional Dhow boats sail off the reef at Mnemba in the azure sea on 12th December 2008 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/_2KKbqQ04HZ_6zn9i5nE5g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/35d5afecd027624de126c6147ce5329d\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Traditional Dhow boats sail off the reef at Mnemba in the azure sea on 12th December 2008 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/_2KKbqQ04HZ_6zn9i5nE5g--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/35d5afecd027624de126c6147ce5329d\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">It is not hard to see why the island and the waters around it attract tourists [Getty Images]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The Zanzibar government says it is so encouraged by the success of the Mnemba restoration project, it is looking to expand it to other areas under threat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe government has identified 14 areas with undamaged reefs and others with damaged corals and we are planning to preserve them,\u201d says Dr Makame Omar Makame, director of the Zanzibar Marine Department.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have placed buoys so that people are careful, understanding that fishing activities are not allowed at that place.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The pressures on Zanzibar\u2019s reefs mirror threats facing coral reefs around the world. Those involved in the Mnemba project say, while they cannot stop warmer sea currents, they hope their efforts will be able to help other areas under threat.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe relationship between the sea and coral is crucial for ocean health. We&#8217;ve witnessed corals regenerating, even at significant depths,\u201d says Mr Jaha.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are allowing sea conditions to restore the reefs to their original state.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>You may also be interested in:<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"caas-figure\">\n<div class=\"caas-figure-with-pb\" style=\"max-height: 295px\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"caas-img-container caas-img-lightbox caas-img-loader\" style=\"padding-bottom:31%\" data-lightbox-src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/F2o7KIiDCzZU9x7aha32PQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTE5NTI7aD02MDA-\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/e70f5e2d3e91b5ce9a04201c81e1134b\"><span class=\"caas-img-wrapper\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"caas-img caas-lazy has-preview\" alt=\"A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/R53CmdtQyYsC7RR0ZwFhBA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTI5NQ--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/e70f5e2d3e91b5ce9a04201c81e1134b\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/R53CmdtQyYsC7RR0ZwFhBA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTI5NQ--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/e70f5e2d3e91b5ce9a04201c81e1134b\" class=\"caas-img\"\/><button class=\"link caas-lightbox\" aria-label=\"View larger image\" data-ylk=\"sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;elm:expand;itc:1\"><span class=\"openArrows icon\"><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\"><path d=\"M12.372 0.92C12.372 0.414 12.782 0.004 13.287 0.004L21 0L20.996 7.712C20.996 8.217 20.586 8.628 20.08 8.628C19.574 8.628 19.164 8.217 19.164 7.712V3.183L12.337 10.011L10.988 8.663L17.816 1.835H13.287C12.782 1.835 12.372 1.425 12.372 0.92ZM1.835 17.816L8.663 10.988L10.012 12.337L3.183 19.164H7.712C8.218 19.164 8.627 19.574 8.627 20.08C8.627 20.586 8.218 20.995 7.712 20.995L0 21L0.004 13.287C0.004 12.782 0.414 12.372 0.92 12.372C1.425 12.372 1.835 12.782 1.835 13.287V17.816Z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><figcaption class=\"caption-collapse\">[Getty Images\/BBC]<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p><em>Go to <\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/bbcafrica.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:BBCAfrica.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>BBCAfrica.com<\/em><\/a><em> for more news from the African continent.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Follow us on Twitter <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BBCAfrica\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:@BBCAfrica;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>@BBCAfrica<\/em><\/a><em>, on Facebook at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BBCnewsafrica\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:BBC Africa;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>BBC Africa<\/em><\/a><em> or on Instagram at <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bbcafrica\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:bbcafrica;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>bbcafrica<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>BBC Africa podcasts<\/h2>\n<p><img alt=\"\" height=\"1\" width=\"1\" style=\"display:block\" class=\"lazyload\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=75&resize=75 75w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=100&resize=100 100w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=150&resize=150 150w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=240&resize=240 240w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=320&resize=320 320w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/a1.api.bbc.co.uk\/hit.xiti\/?w=500&resize=500 500w, 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