Manta Ray Research

Basic research on the population ecology of both the Manta Rays and Whale Sharks is nearing completion, which will provide baseline data for future monitoring endeavours. Efforts are now being directed towards examining the migratory behaviours and critical habitat requirements of both species. Andrea Marshall has been studying and researching Manta Rays in this area since 2003 and is currently partnered with Simon Pierce on continued research projects through the Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre.

This coastal region is the epicentre for marine tourism in Mozambique and around 5 million tourists are drawn to Inhambane Province each year because of the area’s rich marine life and consistent encounters with large marine species. This reputation is well-deserved with this coastline hosting the largest population of Manta Rays in the world and a very large proportion of the worldwide population of whale sharks. The coastal area is also home to green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles, Indo-Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins and a large migratory population of humpback whales.

Sightings of protected finfish species, notably the brindle bass and sharks and ray species have definitely declined in this area over the recent past, as large individuals have been caught by fishermen. Tofo Beach has the potential to be a global hub for both whale shark and manta ray research. The large, year-round and accessible populations of these two species have allowed the development of a world-class research program through the Manta Ray and Whale Shark Research Centre.

The area is also a suitable natural laboratory to study the impacts of dive tourism on threatened species and their habitats. War and poverty have combined to decimate Mozambique’s land animal populations, eliminating much of the safari tourism market that many other African countries have developed. The marine environment however remains close to pristine. A high-quality scientific program can drive both conservation and sustainable tourism development in Mozambique and hopefully create an awareness of the fragility of the continued existence of these incredible creatures.