Mozambique Marine Research and Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer Program

Volunteer in Mozambique on the Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project and help with hands-on whale shark research, coral reef monitoring, humpback whale monitoring, manta ray and turtle ID and surveys, as well as, explore one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations.

The Marine Research & Whale Shark Conservation Project involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The project is run by All Out Africa and involves collaboration with the Peri-Peri Divers, Zavora Marine Lab and Ponta Dolphin Encountours based in Mozambique as well as the Ecocean Global Whale Shark Database and a number of international marine research bodies.

Whale sharks are the oceans biggest fish and although they are sharks, are harmless to people since they feed on plankton. Whale sharks are a threatened species and are relatively easy to monitor owing to their size (up to 20m long) and swimming next to them is an awe inspiring experience! They are also good indicators of ocean productivity and can play a flagship role for the conservation of other marine creatures. Very little is known about the population dynamics and threats to whale sharks and with the increase of boat and fishing activities their feeding and migratory activities may become influenced and they are vulnerable to death or injury through boat strikes.

The coral reefs, that so much marine life is dependent, on are under threat of exploitation, bleaching, alien invasive species and other ecological changes associated with tourism and other human activities. One of the components of the project is to monitor the condition of coral reefs in the Tofo area using methods based on the international reef check program collecting data which contribute to Indian Ocean-wide monitoring and assessment programs. This involves doing scuba diving  monitoring indicator species of fish and echinoderms and photo IDs in one of Africa’s best diving destinations.

Included extras

PADI Open Water course (or Advanced course/or research dives for an equivalent value)