Mafia Island, Tanzania
Whale Sharks Tour Operators Network Tanzania — WATONET
Protecting Marine Life. Empowering Coastal Communities. Building a Sustainable Blue Future.
Mafia Island is one of Tanzania’s most important marine conservation areas and a globally recognised destination for whale sharks. WATONET ensures that conservation benefits both nature and the communities that depend on the ocean.
Our Impact in Numbers
Measurable conservation and development results
WATONET combines community leadership, scientific knowledge, local experience and strong partnerships to achieve measurable results.
Our Programmes
Community-led conservation in action
Our programmes respond to the environmental, economic and social challenges facing Mafia Island and other coastal communities.
Protecting Tanzania’s Whale Sharks
Mafia Island is one of the most important seasonal habitats for whale sharks in the Western Indian Ocean. WATONET works with tourism operators, boat crews, researchers, government institutions and local communities to promote responsible whale shark tourism and reduce threats to this important species.
Learn More →Strengthening Community Fisheries Governance
Healthy fisheries depend on strong local institutions. WATONET supports Beach Management Units, Village Liaison Committees, fisher networks and community leaders to improve participation, accountability and sustainable management of marine resources.
Learn More →Restoring Mangroves and Strengthening Coastal Resilience
Mangroves protect coastlines, provide breeding grounds for fish, store carbon and support the livelihoods of coastal communities. WATONET works with villages, schools, government institutions and conservation partners to restore degraded mangrove areas and establish community nurseries.
Learn More →Promoting Responsible and Community-Friendly Tourism
Tourism can support conservation when it is well managed. WATONET works with tourism operators and communities to improve safety, visitor experience, environmental responsibility and local economic benefits.
Learn More →Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
Young people are essential to the future of Mafia Island’s environment. WATONET works with schools, teachers, youth groups and young conservation champions to build environmental knowledge, leadership and practical conservation skills.
Learn More →Supporting Women in Conservation and the Blue Economy
Women play a central role in coastal communities, but they are often underrepresented in marine resource management. WATONET promotes women’s participation in leadership, conservation and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Learn More →Featured Project
Locally led and community-centred conservation
Building Sustainable, Scalable, Locally Led and Community-Centred Fisheries and Marine Resource Conservation in Mafia
This programme strengthens community fisheries governance, marine conservation, sustainable livelihoods and local leadership across Mafia Island.
View Project ResultsWhere We Work
Across Mafia Island
Choose a location to see WATONET activities, impact and community portfolios.
WELCOME TO
WHERE WE WORK
WATONET works with local communities and partners in this area.
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Stories From Our Communities
People leading change across Mafia Island
Call for Consultants: WATONET is Hiring Two Management Effectiveness Assessment Coaches
Read More Community StoriesWhale Shark Knowledge Centre
Learn about whale sharks, conservation and responsible tourism
WATONET’s Whale Shark Knowledge Centre provides information about whale shark biology, behaviour, conservation, research and responsible tourism in Tanzania.
Explore the Knowledge Centre
Latest News
Updates from projects, events and partnerships
Careers / Consultancy
Call for Consultants: WATONET is Hiring Two Management Effectiveness Assessment Coaches
WATONET is inviting applications for two Management Effectiveness Assessment Coaches for Dokichunda CFMA, Mafia Island. Assignment duration is 22 days. Deadline for applications is 2 September 2026.
Read More →Young conservation champions
A Young Conservation Champion Leads the Way
A 14-year-old student from Kitomondo became one of the most inspiring participants during World Mangrove Day activities on Mafia Island.
Read More →Watch Our Work in Action
Conservation, communities and research
Featured videos will appear here after they are added from the admin panel.
Research and Publications
Evidence-based conservation
Our Partners
Conservation through collaboration
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