The oceans surrounding the island of Mafia in Tanzania, (Click here for a Map) have long been renowned for the abundance of seafood, however ever increasing fishing pressure has led to steady reduction of catches. Part of the reason for these reductions has been the ever increasing use of unsustainable and illegal fishing practices such as dynamite fishing, spear fishing using scuba gear, drift nets and small mesh monofilament nets.
The unique ecological features of the area has resulted in it being classified as a RAMSAR site
 

It harbours the famous “fossil fish” called the Coelacanth, which was long thought to have become extinct along with the dinosaurs, and was only rediscovered in 1934.
 

The area also supports the last population in Tanzania of the sea cow or Dugong (Dugong dugong).
The Dugong or “the siren of the sea” is a mammal and is also known as the sea cow because it grazes on the sea grasses which grow in the sheltered shallows
Their nostrils are at the top of the snout and, like mammals, dugongs must surface to breathe. However, unlike other aquatic mammals such as some whales, dolphins and porpoises, dugongs cannot hold their breath under water for very long. It is generally for only a few minutes, especially if they are swimming fast. Dugongs have poor eyesight but acute hearing.. Small tusks can be seen in adult males and some old females. During the mating season, male dugongs use their tusks to fight each other. It is also suspected that early sightings of dugong by sailors may be the basis of mermaid myths.
 

The island and the small coral islands which surround it, also provide nest sites for green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, loggerhead turtles and the olive Ridley sea turtle, all of which are on the IUCN red list for endangered species.

Because of the ecological importance of Mafia Island and its surroundings the WWF has been involved in setting up Tanzania’s first marine park there and in devising ways to protect its unique flora and fauna. Recognizing that fishermen were using destructive fishing methods because of poverty they began looking for ways to assist them to earn good incomes from alternative and environmentally friendly sources.

A trial sustainable pearl oyster culture project was implemented in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in which several groups of small-scale fishermen were given the required materials and training to be able to set up black lip pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) “farms”.
Other groups were assisted to set up rafts and long line type spat (juvenile oysters) collectors to sell to the pearl oyster farmers.

Because of the highly skilled nature of full pearl production the project focused on the production of “half pearls”, which are cultured by gluing a half spherical plastic bead onto the inside of the oyster shell. The oyster’s natural secretions cover the bead with layer after layer of shiny material. After six to 10 months the oysters are harvested and the beautiful half pearls are cut from the shell and handed over to skilled jewellers who turn them into pendants, earrings and other jewellery.

Juma Shahani the leader of one of the Lulu group (lulu means pearl in Kiswahili) said that all four members of his group had been able to build a proper house from the income they received from selling their pearl jewellery at the “Makutano” national arts and crafts expo in 2008. The success of the trials encouraged the WWF to apply for and secure funding from the UU to roll out the project.

The trained pearl farmers from the trial phase are now training fisherfolk from Mafia island and from Kilwa on the mainland in the techniques used to culture pearl oysters. The project also hopes to benefit other members of the community by providing them with training in the production of pearl and mother of pearl jewellery and carvings.

Juma, when I spoke to him a few minutes ago was so excited as he is on his way to America to have six weeks advanced training and he told me that the level of interest that his success has created in the community is huge.

 

Juma shows us what a black-lipped pearl oyster looks like.

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