Projects in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region
Marine litter—and its effects on marine life, beaches, and fisheries —has become a pressing issue for South Africa. The proponents underscore that the country has grown increasingly concerned about beach litter originating from river systems. The project will demonstrate how a 'Source to Sea' approach in five river systems in KwaZulu-Natal, can reduce litter generation and recover litter with river basin-wide interventions.
Project Summary:
The fishery for the mangrove crab (Scylla serrata) is a purely traditional fishing practice on which many fishing communities are completely dependent. Three main production areas for crabs have been identified as Boina region, Menabe region and Sofia region (inthe mangrove swamp of Sahamalaza (around Maromandia). Fishing productivity is estimated at about 2.5 mT/km2/year (Ralison, 1987).
Two main factors impact on the sustainability of the crab fishery:
Mangroves are important ecosystems for communities in coastal Mozambique through the various goods and services they provide including food, fuelwood, coastal protection, and temperature regulation, among others. These important ecosystems are however threatened by anthropogenic activities such as over-harvesting, coastal development and conversion of mangrove areas for urban development.
The project seeks to advance ecosystems restoration on Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a site of national and international biodiversity importance, and the surrounding sea. Recognising that terrestrial conservation and seabird colony re-establishment has benefits for both land and marine ecosystems, the project will conduct focused, seabird friendly, habitat restoration and seabird attraction.
The Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC through the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Nairobi Convention through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for enhanced collaboration to support member countries of the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC)and Nairobi Convention in their commitment towards the sustainable management of their coastal and marine environment and fishery res
Located at the northern entrance to the Mozambique Channel, the Comoros archipelago has one of the most productive fishery industries in the Western Indian Ocean region. Yet illegal fishing has become a threat not just to the industry, but also to the ocean ecosystem itself.