Ecological and Socioeconomic Baseline Studies to Support Gazettement of Two Proposed Marine Conservation Areas (MCAs) in Pemba East

Abstract

This report establishes a multi-taxa ecological and socioeconomic baseline for two proposed Marine Conservation Areas in Pemba East, characterizing critical habitats including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and associated fisheries. By documenting current fish biomass, coral recruitment, and benthic cover, the study provides the essential scientific framework required to support the formal gazettement and adaptive management of these high-value marine ecosystems.