MISALI ISLAND CONSERVATION AREA (PEMBA)

Misali Island, located just west of Pemba, has some of the highest recorded coral cover, and high species diversity with 40 genera of coral and 350 fish species. The 1 square kilometer of terrestrial area supports endangered nesting turtles, and the dense coastal thickets harbor populations of green monkeys, the endangered and endemic Pemba Flying Fox, globally endangered Coconut Crabs and various species of birds. Economically, fishing at Misali provides direct livelihood support to 11,400 people. There is a non-extraction zone that covers part of the total conservation area. Recreational activities such as diving and snorkeling, passage and scientific research are permitted within the non-extraction zone, but any type of activity that depletes the area’s natural resources is not allowed (such as fishing or shell and coral collecting).