Pemba Island
 An oceanic island of mainland origin located 35
nautical miles from the northern Tanzanian mainland
and separated from it by the 500-800 m deep Pemba
Channel. Approximate area included is 4,190 km squared.
Description
The east, south and northern coasts have
exposed very steep slopes to water varying from 900-
1,400 m deep. Off the northern coast there is the deep
water submerged North Pemba Bank. On the west coast
there is a similar steep slope but the island shelf is wider
with islands and shallow sheltered areas supporting
extensive mangroves, seagrass and algal beds, and sand
beaches. Coral growth is reported from 64 m, the deepest
known in the ecoregion. The 35 or more surrounding
smaller islands and patch reefs support a high diversity of
coral genera, fish and over 90 species of sponge and
there are 10 species of mangrove in extensive stands on the western coast of Pemba. The Pemba Bank is an area where many billfish, including the Black marlin (Makaira
indica), congregate and is a world-renowned big game fishing area. The small islands, particularly Misali Island, have
a distinct island forest community and resident fruit bats (Pteropus pembae). Five species of turtle have been
recorded to nest at various beaches mainly in the northwest of the islands. Large schools of Hammerhead shark are
resident off the east coast. Assigned ecoregional importance because it is the only oceanic island of continental
origin in the whole region. The presence of large predators such as the Black marlin, Yellowfin tuna and Hammerhead
shark indicate a significant interaction with oceanic species.
Contacts
Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forestry, Department of Environment (Zanzibar),
Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources (Zanzibar), Institute of Marine Science of the University of Dar es Salaam, CARE, Misali Island Conservation Association
(Pemba).
Conservation Status
There has been minimal degradation of corals and mangrove by human activities and there is
no land-based pollution. Pressure on resources is lower than in other parts of northern Tanzania because it is remote
and less densely populated. Only Misali Island, a small island midway along the west coast, is designated as a
Conservation Area. The Misali Island Conservation Association (MICA) represents a range of island users and is
supporting management of the island and its marine resources. CARE International with funds from the Ford
Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation has assisted in developing the conservation area mainly through studies,
although support to management of the MPA has been limited. Limited sustainable financing mechanisms rely on
tourism entrance and anchorage fees. Green Ocean has provided ranger training.
Summary of threats and information needs
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