Marine Mammal Conservation Volunteer Work in Mozambique

Marine Mammal Conservation Volunteer Work in Mozambique

Dugong close to the boat 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, a close relative of the manatee and one of the rarest mammals on the planet.

Island visitConservation volunteers in Mozambique work in the last known African breeding area of these gentle giants. Loss of feeding habitats and increased human impact are quickly pushing the dugong to the brink of extinction. While 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 organizations, Projects Abroad Conservation volunteers are compiling the first population studies of the dugong in this area, recording its preferred 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

Our boatAs 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, and 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. Thanks to their inquisitive and playful nature collecting their local numbers is practical and fun and helps reflect the ever depleting fish populations.

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

DolphinWhether 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 live together with the dugongs and dolphins and the coral reefs you will visit have every color and shape of fish imaginable. Between June and September whale sightings are also possible.

This project is ideal for anyone studying marine biology or a related subject 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 neighboring 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.