Whale Shark Research

The area around Tofo Beach in Inhambane province, Mozambique is a worldwide hotspot for whale sharks. Simon Pierce giantfish.org started a major whale shark research project in 2005 through the Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre. He has since demonstrated that the approximately 10 kilometre stretch of coastline south of Tofo is one of the best places in the world to see these sharks, with 300 of the 1000 whale sharks identified in the world coming from this area.

Basic observations on artisanal fishery catches have been collected since 2003. There are around 26 small fishing boats fishing from Tofo beach daily, which normally target pelagic and benthic finfish, and also a small population of spear-fishermen, which also target mainly reef finfish. However, threatened species are also sometimes targeted by local fishermen including green and loggerhead sea turtles, large brindle bass and potato cod [all of which are protected species in Mozambique] and a wide range of shark and ray species including leopard sharks, white tip reef sharks, bowmouth guitarsharks, hammerhead sharks, devil rays and manta rays. Rapid declines of large fish populations have been noted at certain dive sites by divers.

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.