Background

Mangroves support rich biodiversity with high fish abundance. They serve as important nursery grounds for fish, crabs, shrimps, and shellfish by providing shelter, food, and protection from predators. Mangroves also act as buffer zones and play a critical role in replenishing fish stocks, making them essential for fisheries and marine ecosystems.

Management Issues & Challenges

• Over-exploitation of mangrove fishery resources
• Unsustainable fishing methods
• Illegal fishing practices such as poisoning
• Perception that fishery resources cannot be depleted
• Overdependence on fisheries as the main livelihood
• Lack of alternative income sources
• Inadequate fishing equipment and gear
• Unskilled fishermen lacking technical capacity

Management Objectives

1. To venture into alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture, mariculture, and Artemia farming.
2. To promote sustainable fishing methods and reduce destructive practices.

Key Management Actions

• Identify suitable areas for aquaculture development
• Construct aquaculture ponds including fingerlings supply, pond liners, fencing, and shading
• Establish mariculture ponds for sustainable seafood production
• Establish Artemia ponds in Kadzuhoni for alternative income
• Conduct capacity-building training for 500 fishermen on conservation and fisheries management
• Procure sustainable fishing gear such as gill nets
• Procure 27 ft fibre boats for safe marine operations
• Procure modern offshore fishing boat engines (40HP Yamaha)
• Procure GPS units and fish finders to support sustainable fishing practices
• Procure essential marine equipment including anchors, life jackets, life rings, and cooler boxes