Geographical Coverage Subject Coverage Duration of Studies

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4.10.1 Geographical Coverage

Though the broad geographical coverage of coral reef studies has been quite good, there are many reefs have not yet been studied or for which there is scantly information. Even in geographical areas where many studies have been done, they have often targeted the same sites, leaving other reefs in the area undocumented. While Pemba is estimated to have 45 of the total length of coral reefs in Tanzania, few studies have been conducted there. Therefore, this is a definite gap. Also, the reefs in the Dar es Salaam area have received very little attention until recently, despite their easy accessibility. There are still a number of reefs in this area that have never been studied. Moreover, very little has been done along the coastline between Dar es Salaam and Tanga, including Bagamoyo. And lastly, few studies have been conducted along the coast of Lindi. Though there are few patch reefs in that area the fringing reefs should be examined.

4.10.2 Subject Coverage

Since there are few experts in the country who are good at identifying all corals to species level, many studies do not fully identify all corals observed. This is definitely a weakness in much of the coral reef research undertaken. In addition, much more needs to be known about coral recruitment patterns in Tanzania. Moreover, many topics have not been covered, such as genetics, physiology, autecology of specific species and detailed taxonomic work.

4.10.3 Duration of Studies

Most studies are of very short duration or are even just a one time study. This is a limitation to thoroughly understanding complex ecosystems such as coral reefs. Usually the short duration is due to lack of funds for longer periods of research. As mentioned earlier, there were a few old studies done more than 20 years ago and a surge of numerous studies in recent years. In between there was a long gap about which little is known. Unfortunately, it was during that period that there was great loss of coral reef habitat and, likely, a reduction in coral diversity. This gap in our knowledge presents some difficulties when planning conservation and restoration programmes.

4.10.4 Information Accessibility