Mozambique – Whale Shark and Marine Conservation

Mozambique is a large country in Southeast Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest, making it the center of a diverse collection of African countries.

This project is based in the picturesque beach town of Praia do Tofo in the bustling Inhambane Province. It is world renowned for its incredible diving, with a regular viewing of spectacular marine life including whale sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, manta rays and turtles. The soft white sand and crystal clear waters of the coast stretch on for miles and is often compared to paradise.

Over the last 11 years, there has been an 80 percent decrease in the Mozambique whale shark population. With very little public knowledge of endangered species, the locals and politicians of this beautiful country do not prioritize the conservation of this marine species. This program is run by an organization that has existed 14 years and has published 8 scientific papers with recommendations for conservation actions. This organization has also implemented protocols for in-water tourism interactions that help tourists not have a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Volunteers are involved in hands-on data collection and research collected through various scientific methodologies with field data collected on unique species, including whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and other marine biodiversity. The research and data aids in the making of recommendations for the improvement of conservation efforts as well as creating a general awareness about the marine environment.

As a volunteer on this project, you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of experienced marine ecologists. You will join other volunteers on the project to collect data via scuba dives, ocean safaris, and beach walks off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience, whilst gaining first hand marine research skills, all while contributing to the conservation of stunning marine life. During your time in Praia do Tofo you will be involved in a range of different research projects.

Some of your tasks may include:

• Monitoring and snorkeling with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark
• Studying marine behavior and ecology and taking underwater identification photographs, as well as uploading and analyzing this field data.
• Monitoring the condition of coral reefs and indicator species of reef fish.
• You may be trained to take ID photos of manta rays and other threatened marine species to aid population assessment.
• At certain times of the year, you may also help survey Humpback whale numbers and turtle nesting activity, as well as other indicators of the health of marine biodiversity in the region.
• You may also assist with beach cleanups and other general environmental activities
• As part of the project activities, you will complete an Internationally Recognized Dive Qualification during a normal 4-week program, along with 11 or 12 ocean activities (ocean safaris or research dives) depending on the dive course chosen. The number of ocean safaris and research dives conducted are calculated according to the length of your stay.

Please note: To participate in these activities, you must be either able to scuba dive or willing to learn. If you are not already certified, you can add an internationally recognized open or advanced diving course to your program for an additional fee. Please note that if you need to take the diving course, you must join the program for at least three weeks to complete both the volunteer activities and the dive certification on-site. Additionally, you must be a capable swimmer, able to swim 100 meters unassisted, and proficient in snorkeling.

Internet: Wi-Fi in Mozambique is limited and slow. Data is most commonly purchased by the gigabyte through a local mobile network SIM card, which you can buy for an additional fee on your first day in Inhambane.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in chalets with traditional thatched roofs. Between 4 to 12 people sleep in the dormitory-style accommodations. The chalets have electricity and running, drinkable water and an open living area with ample room to relax outside. The bedrooms are fitted with bunk beds, mattresses, mosquito nets, sheets and pillows. There are shared toilet and shower facilities.

Food: We provide three meals daily. If you prefer vegetarian options, we can accommodate this request, although it’s important to mention that our menu predominantly features seafood. Additionally, due to our remote location, accommodating other dietary restrictions—such as gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan diets—presents a challenge due to limited access to specialty food products. While volunteers are welcome, we advise that meal options may be basic, and those with specific dietary needs may need to supplement their meals with their own specialty items.

• Minimum age of 18
• Police clearance
• Good level of fitness
• Strong swimmer and snorkeler
• Ability to work in a group
• Immunizations (consult your doctor)
• Must provide medical form or present doctor’s approval to dive if you have any pre-existing medical conditions
• Volunteers who join only for two weeks must already be certified divers at any level. Non-divers must join for a minimum duration of at least three weeks.
• Please note that any qualified divers who have not dived for 6 months or more will be required to take a short refresher course at their own cost paid locally on site to the dive center (approximately 80 USD).
• Visas upon arrival are not reliable in Mozambique, volunteers should apply for a tourist visa with the local embassy before their trip (processing time for visas differs depending on the embassy).

Orientation and Training (Included):
Following your arrival in Praia do Tofo, you will be given a presentation by the co-coordinating project scientists to prepare you for the work you will be doing. You will then be shown around Tofo and have a tour of the nearby city of Inhambane, including time to get a local SIM card and enjoy some freshly prepared local food.

For those who added on the Dive Course: During the first days (weather depending), you will do an open water scuba diving course. This is an internationally accredited course and upon completion you will get a certificate permitting you to scuba dive up to 18m anywhere in the world. Those who already hold an open water course will complete an advanced dive course (qualifies you to dive to 30m). Once the course is completed, you will have the time and skills required to complete the conservation and research work on the project.