Use of molluscs, fish, and other marine taxa by tourism in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Author
Summary, in English
The collection of shells is a popular tourist activity in coastal areas of tropical countries. Tourists also buy shells, particularly large gastropods, which may be important species in marine ecosystems. While some, though outdated, information exists on the magnitude of the international trade with ornamental shells, virtually nothing is known about the extent of the regional tourist-related curio trade. A survey in Zanzibar, Tanzania, showed that 39% of the tourists had collected shells and 7% had bought shells, contributing US$ 136,000 to the local economy. The weight of shells exported from Zanzibar by tourists may have been in the order of 13 t. Regarding other marine species, tourists consume only 1% of the fish catches, but they have substantially increased the consumption of crustaceans and the trade in shark teeth and jaws.
Department/s
Publishing year
2004
Language
English
Pages
2623-2639
Publication/Series
Biodiversity and Conservation
Volume
13
Issue
14
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Springer
Topic
- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
Keywords
- shells
- management
- resource
- marine resources
- islands
- curio trade
- gastropods
- sustainable tourism
- souvenirs
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0960-3115