Tanzania’s new marine conservation zones cover 1,300 square kilometres of ocean, aiming to tackle overfishing, protect coral reefs and restore marine ecosystems through community led action.
Pemba Island in Tanzania has established two new marine protected areas (MPAs) to combat overfishing, illegal fishing and the degradation of marine ecosystems. Covering a combined area of 1,300 square kilometres, the North-East and South East conservation zones aim to protect biodiversity while supporting communities that depend on the ocean for food and income.
The initiative brings together more than 20 local communities the Tanzanian government and environmental organisations including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Blue Alliance and Mwambao. The new protected areas were announced at the United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025 and officially gazetted in June 2026.
The move also contributes to the global 30×30 target under the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
Community collaboration at the heart of conservation
The initiative emerged after fishers along Pemba’s eastern coast reported declining catches and growing concerns about illegal fishing. Local fisheries committees assessed the situation and presented their findings at village meetings eventually approaching the government to propose new protected areas.
The communities drew inspiration from the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, established in 2005 where conservation efforts had helped improve fish populations and local livelihoods.
Under the new system, local fisheries committees work with conservation organisations to monitor protected waters, enforce fishing restrictions and prevent destructive practices. Measures include no take zones, seasonal fishing closures during spawning periods and restrictions on small mesh nets, spear guns and other harmful fishing methods.
The protected waters contain coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass habitats that support threatened species such as reef manta rays, alongside commercially important fish including yellowfin tuna.
Conservation efforts also address activities that damage sensitive habitats, including seaweed farming in restricted areas where repeated trampling has harmed underwater vegetation.
According to Blue Alliance, patrols have increased by more than 50% since the new protected areas were established, while illegal activities have fallen by around 45%. However, researchers say it is too early to determine the full extent of ecological recovery.
The protected areas are designed to allow sustainable economic activities to continue rather than exclude communities entirely. Nevertheless, fishing restrictions and temporary closures have created challenges for some households that depend on daily catches.
To address these concerns, conservation groups are exploring alternative income opportunities, including aquaculture, seaweed drying, sea cucumber farming and ecotourism. A local fish processing business, Samaki Bluu, also helps villagers earn more by purchasing and processing high quality fish for local and international markets.
Women now account for around 30% of fisheries committee membership, with growing participation in aquaculture and fish processing. Training programmes are also helping residents develop leadership skills and learn about marine conservation.
Local knowledge remains central to the project, particularly in identifying fish spawning grounds that can be prioritised for protection. Conservation groups say involving residents in planning and management helps build trust and encourages long term support for environmental rules.
Although the full benefits will take time to measure, Pemba’s new marine protected areas demonstrate how governments, conservation organisations and coastal communities can work together to protect marine ecosystems while safeguarding livelihoods. The initiative offers a potential model for other regions seeking to meet the global 30×30 conservation target.