The Park, which has a total area of 822 km2 is comprised of 17 villages with a population of approximately 20,189 people. It is surrounded by 10 other villages of the Mafia district with local communities that also depend on its marine resources. 

According to Marine Park Regulations, different zones have specific designated uses. In core zones, only tourism and research activities are permitted, with no fishing allowed. Conversely, in general zones, fishing is permitted for Park residents and non-Park residents, while specified-use zone fishing is only permitted to Park residents, provided they use sustainable fishing methods. These have always been ignored leading to conflicts between the community of fishers and the Park

To address these challenges, WWF Tanzania, through the Blue Action Fund (BAF) project, working with the Park’s internal staff has provided support for nine demarcation buoys including associated accessories for the physical demarcation of the three conservation zoning schemes and the Park's boundaries. 

The in-water placing of these demarcation buoys was witnessed by representatives from the local communities of Jibondo and Chole villages, as well as a Mafia District Council, to ensure awareness and transparency.

The primary objective of installing the demarcation buoys was to separate conservation zones and allocate activities according to their specific uses. The core zones, which include areas with pristine and diverse coral species, serve as critical feeding and breeding grounds for marine life. These zones are designed to allow a spillover effect, replenishing fish populations in adjacent fishing areas. This replenishment supports the vibrant fishery of Mafia Island, which attracts fishers from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Mtwara, and beyond.

Mbonde Yusuph, a community member of Jibondo village, testifies, "These demarcation buoys will facilitate and simplify the sustainable protection and conservation of marine resources within the Mafia Island Marine Park. Through enforcement, they will enhance marine biodiversity by protecting habitats and increasing fish populations, ultimately leading to improved fish catches."

Besta Msumange, a senior Marine Conservation Warden at the Mafia Island Marine Park expressed her appreciation for the support the MIMP’s expectations from the installed demarcation points

 "We have a clear responsibility to establish and manage Tanzania's marine protected areas sustainably through collaboration with local communities and other conservation organizations. With these buoys our work will be easier and I believe it will hugely reduce conflicts between the community members and the Park. It has been a very transparent and participatory exercise and both parts are happy."

WWF Tanzania is working with the Mafia Island Marine Park, communities and the local government to ensure marine resources are well managed for the benefit of both people and nature.