Executive summary Studies dating to the 1960s revealed that the marine environment and its resources are over-exploited and in need of management. The establishment of Dar-es-Salaam marine protected areas (MPA) was adopted by the Government, in 1975, as one of the options to facilitate sustainable utilization of the environment and resources in specified areas. Since coral reefs play a crucial role in the ecology and socio-economy of most MPA in Tanzania, sustainable use of coral reefs has always been an important goal of MPA management. Due to the narrowness of the continental shelf, the majority of the reefs are close to land, as a result they are strongly subjected to human influences and natural calamities. While coral reef studies in the 1960s and 1970s reported high diversity and luxurious growth of corals and associated resources, surveys in the 1980s and 1990s described a general degradation of coral reef ecosystems, mainly due to destructive fishing (dynamite and dragnets) and over-exploitation of certain species key species. Increase in coastal populations, poor economy (lack of alternative employment), unplanned tourism and coastal construction as well as lack of trained personnel and resources to enforce legislation have contributed towards coral reef degradation. The coral reef environment in the Dar-es-Salaam Marine Reserve System, which includes: Mbudya Marine Reserve, Bongoyo Marine Reserve, Pangavini Marine Reserve and Fungu Yasini Marine Reserve, was reported to be so degraded that some scientists questioned whether it was worth maintaining them as a MPA. In addition, Coral reef degradation was reported for reefs in Tanga, Mafia, Songosongo, Mnazi Bay and Msimbati Bay in Mtwara.