Mangrove cover change detection in the Rufiji Delta in Tanzania

Abstract

Aims and scope: The Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science provides an avenue for the wide dissemination of high quality research generated in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, in particular on the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources. This is central to the goal of supporting and promoting sustainable coastal development in the region, as well as contributing to the global base of marine science. The journal publishes original research articles dealing with all aspects of marine science and coastal management. Topics include, but are not limited to: theoretical studies, oceanography, marine biology and ecology, fisheries, recovery and restoration processes, legal and institutional frameworks, and interactions/relationships between humans and the coastal and marine environment. In addition, Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science features state-of-the-art review articles and short communications. The journal will, from time to time, consist of special issues on major events or important thematic issues.

Spatial variation of nutrients and primary productivity in the Rufiji Delta mangroves, Tanzania

“…Erftemeijer and Hamerlynck (2005) reported mortality in mangrove trees following severe and prolonged regional El Niño events. Monga et al (2018) reported the loss of mangrove cover (~12.4%) in the Rufiji Delta during the past…”

Natural recovery of mangroves in abandoned rice farming areas of the Rufiji Delta, Tanzania

“…This critical habitat supports diverse estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems that are ecologically interconnected. One of the key components of the Delta is the largest mangrove area in Tanzania covering about 45,519 ha (Monga et al, 2018). Geologically, the Delta is underlain by Cretaceous and Jurassic limestones and shales, which are overlain by alluvial sand, silt, and clay deposited from the Tertiary period to the present (Mwansasu, 2016).…”

“…Nindi et al (2014) estimated that 4,140 ha of mangroves was cleared for rice farming between 1989 and 2010. Most recently (Monga et al, 2018) reported the loss of mangroves due to rice farming at about 7,298 ha between 1991 and 2015, implying an annual loss of about 304 ha per year.…”

“…(Lagomasino from 1991(Lagomasino from to 2015 in the Rufiji delta. Mangrove forest gain occurs through natural regeneration (Lagomasino, 2019) and planting (Monga et al, 2018).…”

“…Rice farming has been practiced in the Rufiji Delta in areas close to fresh water sources by converting the mangrove forest to farmland (Lagomasino, 2019). Due to poor agronomic knowledge, the farming approach in the delta is of a shifting nature where farms are cultivated in a rotation of 3-5 years before farmers move on to open new farm fields by clearing mangrove forests (Monga et al, 2018), and leaving the rice farm fallow. A field is referred to as fallow when it is left uncultivated (Wezel and Haigis, 2002).…”