Page 7 - Comoros Report

Rhizophora mucronata and Auicennia marina. The last two are the most common and expansive
species (source).

Comorian mangroves have not been subject to major exploitation by humans. The mangroves are in
a reasonable conservation state as observed in the Mohéli Marine Park. Most mangrove grow along
protected shorelines in tropical and subtropical areas and normally consists of about 60 per cent Country Profile
shrubs and trees, and about 20 per cent consisting of non-mangrove species. The Republic of Comoros

The Comorian mangrove plays a critical in sustaining the coastal ecosystem. The mangrove is home
to species such as molluscs, algae and fish; and act as nurseries for fish due to the abundance of
food around them. The decaying mangrove matter is rich in minerals and nutrients hence provides
fuel for bacteria and fungi floral.

Coral reefs
The vast of the Comorian coral reef develop alongside the volcanic shore. They development along
the steep shores vary depending on the age of the islands and other factors such as the undersea and
local conditions. The total area of coral reef coverage in Comoros is 11,000 ha(source). Almost 60
per cent of the Grande Comoro’s coastline is covered with coral. As regards Anjouan and Moheli
coastlines, the estimates range between 80 and 100 per cent respectively(source). The contribution
of the coral reef to the Comorian coastal ecosystem cannot be gainsaid. They offer food resources to
most coastal species, protect the coastlines by dissipating wave energy, act as nurseries for fish and
have medicinal value.

Seagrass beds

Seagrass play a crucial role in the protection and conservation of the coastal biodiversity and
ecosystems. They act as meadow for turtles and dugongs. In Comoros, there exists about 8 species
of seagrass namely, Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Cymodocea
rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila stipulacea and Thalassia hemprichii
(ASCLME, 2012).

Seagrass distribution along the Comoros coastline is dependent on a number of coastal factors
such as salinity, sedimentation, the concentration of herbivores, and light. Favourable conditions
and the complete restructuring has resulted into the largest concentration of seagrass at the Moheli
Marine Park. Other areas worth noting are the seagrass beds at Male, Bimbini, Mitsamiouli and
Ouroveni. In Grande Comoro, seagrasses are most found at the Mitsamihouli Ndroude, Male and
Chindini

Ecosystem management and conservation
The challenge

The Comorian marine ecosystem offers a platform for the realization of economic empowerment
however there are some challenges to meeting this opportunity. These include overexploitation
of resources, poaching, limited data to support decision making and limited investment in the
sector.

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