The Marine Megafauna Foundation in Mozambique

The Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna (FPMM) was created in 2009 to research, protect and conserve the large populations of marine megafauna found along the Mozambican coastline. ‘Megafauna’ are large marine species such as sharks, rays, marine mammals and turtles. These animals are key components of marine ecosystems but, as they are long-lived and have low reproductive rates, their populations are usually the first to be reduced by human pressures. Fortunately, they are also amongst the most charismatic animals on the planet and engender a high degree of public interest in their biology and conservation, making them useful ambassadors for the whole marine environment.

The Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre is based at Tofo Beach, Mozambique, at Casa Barry Lodge. Tofo Beach is a major international hot-spot for both manta rays and whale sharks. The Research Centre works with sponsors, international scientific collaborators, the marine tourism industry, conservation organisations and the Mozambican government to identify and solve the problems that manta rays and whale sharks face in Mozambique and worldwide.

Successful conservation and management strategies requires good information. We are working in partnership with local communities, provincial and national government and other Mozambican conservation organisations to both protect threatened marine species, and to provide a sustainable future for the country.

Our major current focus is on achieving protected status for manta rays and whale sharks in Mozambique. Manta rays are still unsustainably fished in Inhambane province, and whale sharks are being entangled in nets. Both species appear to be in decline. To protect the species themselves, as well as the economic value of marine tourism, these vulnerable fishes need help. We are advising the government on the best ways to achieve long-lasting conservation success. Our data are also used to evaluate the international conservation status of these species (for example, the IUCN Red List assessment for manta rays).

We are also working to ensure that local communities derive a benefit from the healthy populations of marine animals present in the coastal waters of Mozambique. Whale sharks and manta rays are charismatic ambassadors for marine conservation, and we are using these species to promote local economic development through the creation of a sustainable marine tourism industry.

To this end, we are also working with fishing communities to stop the poaching of endangered marine life, such as sea turtles, and to create alternatives to unsustainable activities like shark finning.

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