Pwani region has an area of 1,132 square kilometers covered by water area. The greater part of this water area lies along the Coastal strip of the Indian Ocean which extends from the northern border of Bagamoyo District to the southern border of Rufiji District.
The entire coastal area of Bagamoyo, Mkuranga, Rufiji and Mafia districts are suitable for fishing activities. Morever, the three big rivers of Rufiji, Ruvu and Wami also are potential areas for fishing.
The ocean area is also a fishing ground for industrial fishermen employing powered vessels which are mainly purseivers and trawlers. Commercial fishing lands a good catch of pelagic fin fish and prawns which contribute greatly to the regional and national economy.
The fish resources found are inshore pelagic which include species like herrings, sardines, small mackerel, anchovies, tuna, king fish and sail fish. The off shore pelagic includes species such as the skip jack and yellow fish. The fun fish includes mullets, milkfish and lethrimides while the common species of shrimps are the penaeid. The shell fish covers Oysters, Mussels and Clams.
