Title: Monitoring program for resource condition, environmental and biological parameters for Mnazi bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) Tanzania

This study aims to improve the existing monitoring programme for the coastal environment and resources of Tanzania and develop guideline strategies to be used during monitoring. An environmental and biological monitoring study of Eyjafjordur fjord located north of Iceland was carried out in December 2005 to become familiar with Icelandic monitoring programmes. CTD data, benthic communities and zooplankton were studied along the fjord. Surfer 8 and grapher 6 graphical softwares were used in the presentation of the CTD data obtained from the fieldwork as well as data and information from previous monitoring. This was used to develop a monitoring programme for Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP). Variables to be monitored for resource condition, environmental and biological parameters are proposed together with the monitoring sites and sampling frequency. Good understanding of monitored information on environment and resource condition over time will help to set the level of protection as well as identify problem areas that need additional management. Skill in handling and managing the monitored information is required for Tanzanian MPAs. The use of information technology and communication skills is very important for communicating the monitored information and data. The CTD data results obtained in Eyjafjordur fjord were found to be similar to those obtained from the previous monitoring studies. Six groups of macrofauna were identified in the sediment samples. Few zooplankton organisms were found in the water samples during the study period as it was winter and most of the activities in the water column in temperate regions are minimal.