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monitoring work in a simplified form, though scientists should continue to be involved as advisors and to monitor aspects that require expertise.
5.6.4 Other if any recommendations
The mangrove studies, preparation of management plans and their implementation rely heavily on donor support Semesi 1998. Therefore in order to sustain these activities, mechanisms of insuring funding should be found.
5.7 INFORMATION GAPS
5.7.1 Geographic coverage
The list of references and summarised table in Appendix 1 show the geographic coverage, period and nature of study carried out. The distribution, area coverage, species composition, uses and threats of all the mangroves of
mainland have been documented. Similar information on the mangroves of Unguja Island in Zanzibar has also been documented but not mapped in great detail. However no detailed information is present on most mangroves
of Pemba Island except the tree species recorded.
When it comes to the detailed studies on the fauna, nutrient dynamics, hydrological parameters, microbiological process, etc. then very few sites have been studied. The most studied sites in Unguja Island are those at Chwaka
bay, Maruhubi and Kisakasaka. While on the mainland those at Mtoni, Mbweni and Kunduchi, near Dar es Salaam, are the most studied. This is because of their proximity to the University of Dar es Salaam both at main
campus and the institute of Marine Science Zanzibar.
5.7.2 Subject coverage resource speciestypes
Research is being undertaken, on reforestation, forest structure, nutrient dynamics, microbial processes, crabs and other fauna and ground water. Also local uses are being studied in much more detail. Information on the growth
and yield of natural mangrove forests, needed to determine optimum thinning and planting strategies, is lacking. Measurement of the net flux of nutrients and organic matter are required in order to understand the role and
relative importance of mangrove forests to biochemistry and productivity of coastal waters. Exploiting mangroves forest for one product or service can reduce its ability to provide others. We still do not understand all the
consequences of disturbances of mangrove forests. There are also no studies on the biopysics and biochemistry of the mangrove trees of Tanzania.
There is still little information about seasonal fluctuations and zonation of benthic fauna in Tanzania. The role of some non-commercially important benthic species in materials and energy turnover and community characteristics
in mangrove ecosystems also remains unclear. Insects have not attracted scientists working on mangroves in Tanzania.
Detailed ecological knowledge of the mangrove ecosystem is still limited although it is accumulating. An understanding of the food-chain relationship and specific physicochemical processes within the coastal waters is
scanty. Indigenous knowledge and traditional management systems also need to be understood and evaluated.
5.7.3 Duration of studies longshort
