Protected Areas- Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve

The second protected area is the Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve, Africa's first marine park, an area of tidal mud flats, mangrove swamps, sea-grass beds, and also coral reef off the coast of Kenya.  It was recognized by the UN as a world biosphere in 1979.  It is home to around 600 species of fish, 110 species of coral and invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks.  Studies on coral, sea turtles, and sedimentation are conducted here.

Watamu

      47% of Kenyan tourism occurs at the Malindi-Watamu Reserve, with attractions include swimming with dolphins, underwater caves, diving sites, and water sports. The warm climate and white sandy beaches are what draw people to visit.  


Watamu is home to many species of sea turtles and has a turtle watch program that monitors and protects the shore in order to ensure that the area is safe for endangered sea turtles to nest at.  Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles can be found here.  

Bleaching of coral reefs

      The status of the Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve is under threat.  The worst impact on this area has been from bleaching of the water in 1997 and 1998.  The bleaching killed off a lot of the coral reefs, and although efforts at recovery have been made, it is recovering more slowly than other areas have been able to recover.    Siltation from the Sabaki River is polluting the waters, which can be very bad for the sensitive coral polyps.  Oil spills from tankers have also majorly affected the habitat.  Tourism is big, and due to the large number of tourists in the area, shells and corals are being sold as souvenirs and trampling and or anchorage has damaged the reefs.  The large amount of tourism has led to an increase in urbanization and coastal development which takes away from the marine environment and destroys coastal habitats.