Protecting Estuaries of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Region

Abstract Estuaries are vital habitats that allow life to exist in the oceans. Because of their role as nurseries for various ocean animals, they are sometimes referred to as the "cradle of the sea." They are among the most vulnerable habitats due to their reliance on salt‐freshwater balance, as any imbalances have a significant impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Climate change, urbanization, and water diversion for various uses result in less optimal freshwater and increased sediments into the estuary and ocean, as well as saltwater intrusion high up estuaries, all of which have negative consequences for estuary functioning and the ecosystem services they provide to the ocean and humanity as a whole. During the Ocean Decade (2021‐2030), the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology (SoAF), University of Dar es Salaam intends to investigate the extent to which the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region's estuaries have been impacted by anthropogenic activities and climate change in order to develop feasible recommendations for their protection. This program is endorsed as Ocean Decade Project Number 45.