An Overview of the Bathymetry and Geomorphology of the Tanzania EEZ

Abstract

Bathymetry is one of the basic data for many studies in coastal and marine environments. It influences many of the coastal and oceanographic processes, and can explain the origin of some of the seafloor features. Knowledge of the bathymetry is important for navigation, planning of research, delineation of maritime boundaries and delineation of spe- cific submarine ecosystems such as canyons. Despite its importance very little has done to map the Tanzania Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), as is evidenced by the scarcity of locally collected bathymetric data. The lack of basic ocean capa- bility is a major challenge that Tanzania must overcome, to make effective planning and utilization of the coastal and ma- rine resources. It will also enable Tanzania to access other opportunities such as extension of its continental shelf limits. Based on the global database used in this study three distinct features i.e., an isolated seamount located at 5.1˚S/41.7˚E, a ridge located at south near 41.5˚E, and a depression located at 41.0˚E/9.5˚S, were identified on the Tanzanian EEZ sea- floor. Also, the potential for Tanzania to pose a claim for extending its continental shelf is discussed.