Fungu Yasini Island

Fungu Yasini Island
Fungu Yasini reef
Map showing the location of Fungu Yasini Island
Map showing the location of Fungu Yasini Island
location in Tanzania
Location Tanzania,
Dar es Salaam Region,
Kinondoni District
Nearest cityDar es Salaam
Coordinates6°35′39″S 39°13′26″E / 6.59417°S 39.22389°E / -6.59417; 39.22389
Area22.90km²
Established1975
Governing bodyMarine Parks & Reserves Authority (Tanzania)
WebsiteDMRS

Fungu Yasini Island (Kisiwa cha Fungu Yasini, in Swahili) is a protected, uninhabited island under the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve (DMRS) with the IUCN category II located within Kinondoni District of Dar es Salaam Region in Tanzania. The island reserve measures around 22.90km2 with most it underwater as a reef. South of the island is Mbudya Island.[1][2][3]

Overview

This marine reserve is distinct because it is an island-like sand bank that can only be viewed at low tide and has no vegetation. On the west and north sides of the lower intertidal zone, there is a lot of sea grass mixed in with patches of coral. Lower intertidal regions in the southeast are rocky.[4]

This marine reserve stands out because it is an island-like sand bank with no vegetation that can only be seen at low tide. It is located in the northern part of Dar es Salaam, immediately following Mbudya Island Marine Reserve. Sea grass and coral patchy areas coexist on the west and north edges of the lower intertidal zone. Southeasterly lower intertidal areas are rocky.[5]

More than 35% of the island's coral cover is found in two sites, one on the southwest waters of less than 10 m (108,320 m2) and the other on the deeper waters (462,765 m2), where coral reefs can be found. Similar to other DMRS islands, Thalassia hemprichii and Thallasodentron ciliatum are the two most common species of sea grass. Sea cucumbers, octopuses, sea urchins, giant clams, rock crabs, tigger cowries, starfish, cushion stars, and nudibranchs are some of the creatures that can be found in the intertidal flats.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Marine Parks and Marine Reserves of Tanzania". Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  2. ^ Levine, Arielle. (2010). Local Responses to Marine Conservation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy. July–December 2004. 183-202. 10.1080/13880290490883241
  3. ^ "Fungu Yasini Island - African City Guide - Dar es Salaam". africancityguide.com. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  4. ^ "Fungu Yasini Island Marine Reserve". Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  5. ^ "Fungu Yasini Island Marine Reserve". Retrieved 2020-09-07.
  6. ^ "Fungu Yasini Island Marine Reserve". Retrieved 2020-09-07.