Prof. Yunus Mgaya is Tanzanian, born in 1957. He studied at the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of British Columbia and the University College Galway in Ireland.

His research has focused mainly on coral reef fisheries, biology and management of invertebrate fisheries as well as aquaculture of different species. He is based at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he started out as a Tutorial Assistant and rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2006. Over the years, Prof. Mgaya has gained wide administrative experience at the University and his recent achievements include his appointment as Associate Dean in the Faculty of Sicence (2000-2002), the Dean of Aquatic Sciences and Technology (2003-2006) and the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Planning, Finance and Administration (DVC-PFA) (2006-2014) and the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) (2014).

His experience has earned him key positions in various national Boards and Committees including the Chair of the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Mbegani Fisheries Development Centre, Board member, Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute and a member of the WIOJMS Editorial Board. He has conducted various researches relating to aquatic resources in the areas of biology, ecology and management of these resources and produced results which have been published extensively.

He has published over 60 papers in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings and co –authored 3 books. He has been involved in consultancies on environmental impact assessments, project evaluation and strategic planning. His contribution to Capacity Building and the development of coastal and marine research in Tanzania and the WIO include the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and post graduate students. He has also been an external examiner for Moi University in Kenya. He has supervised over 30 MSc and PhD candidates.