Bagamoyo

The site extends from Ras Machuisi in the north, for 50 km of beach and estuarine coast, to Ras Mbegani and the adjacent lagoon to the south. The southern end of the site is approximately 40 km north of Dar es Salaam. Estuaries of the Ruvu and Wami Rivers, the city of Bagamoyo and parts of the Saadani National Park are included in the area, with a coverage of approximately 810 km squared.

Description

Two large mangrove-lined estuaries, long sand beaches, extensive seagrass beds and a few offshore patch reefs. There are eight species of mangroves in the area and extensive and diverse seagrass beds with 12 species. Salt pans may be important bird areas. The area serves as refuge for holothurians that are locally extinct in adjacent areas. The long sand beaches to the north are important turtle nesting sites. This highly productive area could provide nursery habitat for reef species within the Zanzibar Channel.

Contacts

Zoology and Marine Biology Department, of the University of Dar es Salaam and Saadani National Park.

Conservation Status

The areas has been impacted by dynamite fishing, coral bleaching, salt pan construction, prawn farms and hotel construction. There are no industries but there is some impact of agrochemical pollution from the Ruvu and Wami Rivers. No present formal conservation status, although the Saadani National Park does extend to the coastline and includes
extensive lengths of sand beach where turtle nesting occurs.

Summary of threats and information needs

back to top

back to Priority sites