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As explained earlier, majority of the studies is recent this could be due to the increasing awareness, better equipments and more training scientists. The old literature focused more on the vegetation looking at the forest
structure, trees diversity, Zonation and uses. While recent studies cover more topics such as sediments, Microorganisms, chemical, and fauna.
5.7.5 Information accessibility
In general it is difficult to get hold of mangrove literature in the country even those in the published forms. The observation made by Mgaya and Mohamed when undertaking the TCMP coastal resource reviews on
information accessibility also applies to the literature on mangroves. Information inaccessibility seems to be a major constraint in Tanzania and as such research results are rarely used in planning and making decisions. Since
the researchers at the University generate most of the research results, there is a need to develop better mechanisms to deliver research results to the managers and decision-makers.
5.8 Recommendations for future work
5.8.1 Methods quality, comparability
As pointed out earlier, standard methods have been used in most studies. Therefore the quality of research methods is similar to studies carried out elsewhere e.g. aerial photography or estimating the number of bacterial
population in sediments or the levels of Phosphate or nitrates, or methane and Hydrogen sulphide. In most cases researchers just followed recommended methods rather then inventing their own. Therefore it is recommended
that standard methods should continue to be used in the future but making sure to review on the most accepted methods so as to obtain comparable results.
5.8.2 Geographical coverage
Since detailed studies cover very few sites there is a need to carry out study in many more mangrove types so a obtain a more representative view of the resource. The mangrove of Pemba needs special attention as there is very
little written on them.
5.8.3 Subject coverage
More research should be directed in the areas where little information is available. The recommended research topics in the mangrove management plans have only been tackled partially. Therefore more research should
continue in the following:
§ investigate the causes of observed deaths of some mangrove stands § investigate contaminating effects on mangroves of agricultural practices, of human sewage from the cities and
of industrial discharge and how to minimize and control the impacts of these effluents § investigate the possibilities of seaweedfish prawn aquaculture activities in saltpans
§ investigate the potential for tourism in the mangroves and surrounding areas § investigate nutrient flow and recycling
§ investigate animal-plant interaction § investigate the possible impact of global climate change.
5.8.4 Research
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An ecosystem approach to the study of the mangrove resource should be adopted. Further research on ecological linkages both within mangrove ecosystems as between mangrove and other coastal ecosystems is essential. This
would give the fabric of information needed for understanding the complexity of the roles of the mangrove ecosystem. Research should include both basic and applied aspects and encourage interdisciplinary teamwork.
Local people know a lot of natural history of many plants and animals and they have ideas of where specific species e.g. fish breed and what or the way they eat. Therefore using local knowledge and people could facilitate
any future research about the ecology of the mangroves.
5.8.5 Monitoring
