Methods quality, comparability Geographical Coverage Subject Coverage

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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

Accessibility of literature on coral reefs to all scientists in the field has been a definite problem. University theses are only available at the University of Dar es Salaam. Reports of many of the studies done under specific programmes are usually kept only in their own files, with no organised system for making them available to other institutions and scientists working on coral reefs. Information from two important reef monitoring programmes, i.e., the coral reef monitoring programme carried out by scientists at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Zanzibar Muhando, 1999b and the reef monitoring carried on the Tanga coral reefs Horrill and Kalombo, 1996, is not readily available. While these programmes have, no doubt, come up with a lot of information, this information is still, for the most part, in the form of raw or semi-raw data stored in computer data bases, though bits of these findings may be presented in various publications by those involved in these monitoring programmes. In the form that this information is stored in computer data bases, it is not very useful to decision-makers, policy makers or even other scientists. Muhando 1999b only gives the background of the coral reef monitoring programme at IMS, its objectives, and a brief description of the methods, without giving any results.

4.11 Recommendations for future work

4.11.1 Methods quality, comparability

121 There needs to be more intensive, rigorous methods conducted throughout Tanzania. While rapid assessment techniques give wide coverage, they should always be accompanied by more rigorous techniques such as the line intercept transect method in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of the information see Section 3.1 above. Different scientists in various parts of the country have applied even the intensive, rigorous methods in slightly different forms. A consistent format would improve comparability. If possible data should be collected at regular intervals, while keeping seasonal trends in mind so that observations represent the entire range of variability in coral reef ecosystems.

4.11.2 Geographical Coverage

A coordinated effort should be made to fill in geographical gaps in coral reef research. Efforts need to be focussed on listed in order of priority Pemba, Dar es Salaam, the coastline between Dar es Salaam and Tanga including Bagamoyo, and the coast of Lindi. In the areas already studied, some of the reefs, which have remained undocumented, should be examined.

4.11.3 Subject Coverage

As a priority, more detailed taxonomic work needs to be done to assist in the identification of corals to the species level. Comprehensive descriptions of all Tanzanian species and keys for their identification would greatly facilitate future studies on coral distribution and ecology. Secondly, there is a need for various types of ecological studies, including the autecology of specific species. Muhando 1998 recommended that more ecological studies are needed in order to generate additional information and techniques to manage reefs sustainably. It is important to know more about coral recruitment patterns in Tanzania with respect to seasons, directions of dispersion, and species. Such information would be useful for planning for the protection or restoration of reefs in certain areas. While perhaps not a priority at this time, there are several aspects which have not been covered and which should receive some attention, including genetics, reproduction, and physiology.

4.11.4 Research