A study was carried out to provide information about the importance of the
management of coastal resources in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The results showed t
hat the coral reefs at Mwamba Kuni and Mshingwi are the main fishing ground
s for the artisanal fishermen. Trawlers compete and conflict with artisanal
fishermen. The mangroves provide habitats for fish and other animals and a
re a source of fuelwood, charcoal, fishing stakes, building materials, and
traditional medicines. Solar salt production is also an important activity.
Although Bagamoyo depends on renewable resources, the harvesting rates of
most resources are not known. Habitat destruction and overexploitation of r
esources have resulted in declining catches. There is unawareness among the
resource users of the linkages between the various coastal ecosystems, but
they do have vast traditional knowledge about the resources. In this artic
le, we present the crustacean resources, fish, sea cucumbers, mangrove prod
ucts, coral reefs, tourism, and salt production activities.