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International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications

IJSRP, Volume 15, Issue 10, October 2025 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]


ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF MARINE POLLUTION ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
      Mkanga Mbaraka, Dr. Werneld E. Ngongi
Abstract: This research assess the impacts of marine pollution on the sustainability of ecosystems at Tanga Port, Tanzania, focusing specifically on oil spills, waste and sewage, ballast water discharge, and the efficacy of regulatory frameworks. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating survey questionnaires distributed to 80 stakeholders, including ship operators, owners, ecologists, and regulatory officials, alongside qualitative interviews to gather experiential insights. The objective of the study was to identify the ecological consequences of pollution, evaluate the impacts of ballast water, and propose strategies for enhancing sustainable marine pollution management in Tanzania. The results indicated that oil spills, waste and sewage, and ballast water discharge are widely regarded as significant threats to marine biodiversity, aquatic habitats, and the stability of the food chain. Analyses of reliability and validity confirmed that the measurement instruments were reliable, while regression analyses revealed that perceptions of oil, sewage, waste pollution, and ballast water impacts were strong and positive predictors of environmental awareness and proactive behaviors. Overall, the model accounted for 55% of the variance in stakeholder engagement (R² = 0.55). Further analysis showed high levels of awareness regarding local (96.25%) and international (90%) safety regulations among vessel operators, with substantial evidence of regular engagement and inspections by regulatory authorities. Nonetheless, deficiencies in enforcement capacity, particularly concerning ballast water treatment and oil spill response infrastructure, persist as critical issues. The study concludes that although Tanzania has achieved significant progress in regulatory compliance and stakeholder awareness, enhanced institutional capacity, investment in infrastructure, and stricter enforcement are crucial.

Reference this Research Paper (copy & paste below code):
Mkanga Mbaraka, Dr. Werneld E. Ngongi (2025); ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF MARINE POLLUTION ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS ; International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications (IJSRP) 15(10) (ISSN: 2250-3153), DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.15.10.2025.p16613

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