Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU)

The MPRU in Tanzania refers to the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, a semi-autonomous agency established by the Marine Parks and Reserves Act No. 29 of 1994, and operating under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries

🌊 What MPRU Is & Does

Mandate & Structure

• It oversees the management, protection, and sustainable use of marine protected areas (MPAs), including both marine parks and reserves.

• Governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Fisheries Minister, which sets policy, approves plans, and hires wardens.

• The Unit’s secretariat (headquartered in Upanga West, Dar es Salaam) handles day-to-day operations.

Core Objectives

• Conserve marine biodiversity, including corals, fish, mangroves, and endangered species like sea turtles and the coelacanth.

• Promote sustainable resource use, balancing fishing, tourism, and research activities within parks and reserves.

• Engage local communities in planning, management, and benefit-sharing to ensure collaborative stewardship.

📍 Areas Under MPRU Management

• Three Marine Parks:

  • Mafia Island Marine Park

  • Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (Mtwara)

  • Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park

• Fifteen Marine Reserves scattered along the mainland coast (e.g., Dar es Salaam reserves like Bongoyo, Pangavini, Mbudya; Mafia, Tanga regions) .

Together, they protect approximately 6.5% of Tanzania’s territorial sea (~2,173 km²) .

🛠️ How It Operates

1. MPA Establishment Process

   • Proposal by government, communities, or NGOs → consultation → Board drafts management & zoning plans → Minister approves and gazettes → MPRU implements.

2. Management & Enforcement

   • Zones defined for various activities; permits required for any entry or use .

   • Wardens and rangers enforce regulations, control access, and can arrest offenders .

3. Monitoring & Research

   • Regular ecological monitoring (e.g. coral reefs, grouper populations) .

   • Collaboration with academic institutions for scientific surveys .

4. Community Engagement

   • Establish local liaison committees involving nearby villages.

   • Allocate part of revenue (from park fees and licensing) to local communities and districts.

🧩 Challenges & Concerns

• Limited staffing—still under-strength compared to needs.

• Weak enforcement and low local involvement in some reserves.

• Policy-practice gaps—e.g. village committees not fully functional or consulted Environmental threats—including pollution, overfishing, climate change, maritime traffic, and oil spills .

✅ Recent Activities & Recognition

• Launched national campaigns on ocean conservation awareness.

• Received accolades, such as special awards for “Operational Excellence and Financial Performance”.

• Engaging globally, including participation in events like the UN Ocean Conference 2025.

Summary

MPRU is Tanzania’s key institution for marine conservation, operating under legal mandate to manage marine parks and reserves, enforce regulations, conduct monitoring, and involve coastal communities. While it has made notable progress, it also faces resource constraints, enforcement and governance challenges, and growing environmental pressures.