Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF)’s mission is to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education and sustainable conservation solutions.
The plankton rich waters along the 700km coastline of the Inhambane Province in Mozambique is one of the few places in the world where both manta ray species are found together as well as whale sharks and humpback whales. Although manta ray tourism is worth $34 million annually in the region, there has been a 98% decline in manta ray sightings, mainly due to unsustainable fishing practices. MMF has been successfully working in Tofo where a Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) has been established and is working to establish a second. It has also been working with a number of local dive centres to ensure divers are aware of the importance of these magnificent creatures. Supporting current work in Tofo and expanding activities into nearby Barra, the project will:
– establish and manage rotational or permanent no-take areas in both LMMAs with the local community
– train 10 fishermen to become Ocean Rangers to protect and enforce regulations and reduce the use of destructive fishing techniques
– recruit 22 Ocean Ambassadors who will raise awareness of the issues
– develop a sustainable fish consumer guide and recruit restaurants to support and promote sustainable fish.
The Update
This project was beset by delays, particularly due to COVID 19 and lockdown restrictions. This significantly reduced the fieldwork, hampered local relationships and decimated tourism throughout 2020 and 21. Despite these delays the project was pleased to report:
- A 6 month LMMA closure of Bara and for 3 month closures in the Inhassoro area, which will be continued every year. In 2023, agreement was reached to enact a 3 month annual closure in Tofo.
- Workshops to engage local communities in marine conservation and manage resources have attracted increasing numbers of participants, and led to the implementation of Community Co-Management meetings by the district governments of target communities. This closer cooperation has increased visibility of local efforts, as well as fostered links between communities and their government leaders.
- The REPMAR law came into being in January 2021, establishing a legal framework for the management, conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, an important tool for protecting Mozambique’s marine resources. However, enforcement is challenging, and the law relies on voluntary collaboration and support from conservation NGOs.
- Various training sessions of MMF staff has helped them understand LMMA creation, as well as ecological and socio-economic aspects of marine conservation. Catch monitoring and trend monitoring training has taken place amongst the local communities.
- An exchange visit between MMF, Ocean Revolution and CCPs to learn from experiences of creating, managing and monitoring local marine resource management programmes.
Work with the targeted LMMAs continues, with varying degrees of success. Much is dependent on the leadership in charge of each, and the remoteness and accessibility of the communities. Work is going into close relationships and discussions over improving the management of fisheries, some fishery closures, as well as identifying potential LMMAs in new communities.
Other achievements have included:
- Reef monitoring activities, including dropping remote underwater cameras
- Continuing and expanding the Local Ocean Ambassadors programme within all communities
- Seven locals have benefited from the alternative livelihoods programme, reducing dependency on fishing, including diving staff, a chicken cooperative, training in sewing, women’s heritage and cultural skills exchange swaps and development of a cultural and ecotourism experience for visitors.
Image: Tofo Village Leaders following Tofo LMMA Closure ceremony
Image: Ocean Ambassador Beach Clean Up
Image: Ocean Ambassador Beach Clean Up, Tofo Beach
