Marine Mammal Conservation Volunteer Work in Mozambique

Marine Mammal Conservation Volunteer Work in Mozambique

Projects Abroad’s Marine Mammal Conservation Project is based in the town of Vilanculos on the southeastern coast of Mozambique. The coast of Mozambique, in southern Africa, is one of the last remaining footholds for the dugong, or “sea cow” as it is often referred to, one of the rarest mammals on the planet.

Conservation volunteers in Mozambique work in the last known breeding area of these gentle giants on the African continent. Loss of feeding habitats and increased human impact are quickly pushing the dugong to the brink of extinction and whilst officially the species is protected; the reality is very different.

Volunteers working out of Vilanculos have superb access to the spectacular Bazaruto Archipelago National Park where ever reducing sea grass beds provide food and sanctuary for the remaining populations of dugongs.

In partnership with local organisations Projects Abroad Conservation volunteers are compiling the first population studies of the dugong in this area, identifying its favoured feeding and breeding areas. By compiling a database, including identifying individuals through their distinctive markings, we aim to present our findings to the national park authorities as means of creating dugong protection sites and a possible eco-tourism management plan.

Volunteer Conservation & Environment projects in Mozambique: Marine Mammal Project

As a volunteer in Mozambique on this pioneering initiative you will spend many hours cruising the coastal waters searching for dugongs, recording and mapping the sightings, snorkeling with them whenever possible, mapping and sampling the sea grass beds essential for their survival.

The crystal waters of the Indian Ocean support many other endangered species and Conservation volunteers also work with dolphins. There are three species of dolphin found in the area and their inquisitive and playful nature makes studying them a practical way to establish local numbers and as a reflection of the ever depleting fish populations.

The success of any conservation initiative depends on the local communities and Mozambique is no exception. Poverty is rife in Mozambique and fishermen trawl the seas trying to catch enough to put food on the table. Dugongs often drown in fishing nets and so we must work with the fishermen, educate them and provide sustainable alternatives for our marine research to be practically enforced.

Whether you are snorkeling the tropical waters with the dugongs, collecting sea grass samples from the shallow sea bed or just cruising the oceans on our large research “dhow” (local sailing boat) there is always plenty to see and do. Sea turtles, whale sharks and rays co-habitat with the dugongs and dolphins and the coral reefs visited by volunteers on this project have every colour and shape of fish imaginable. Between June and September whale sightings are also possible.

This project is ideal for anyone studying marine biology or related subjects and individual research projects or dissertations can be arranged upon request.

With the amazing African coast as a backdrop Vilanculos is a great area to work and has easy access to travel around both Mozambique and neighbouring countries. All Conservation volunteers live together in a shared house in town and you will meet and interact with local communities both on the mainland and the islands. This cultural element will add to a truly unforgettable experience.

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