1. The Distribution of Dugongs in the Coastal Waters of Mozambique (MZ2)
Associação para a Conservação e Protecção dos Dugongos DUGONGOS.ORG
Quirimbas
Archipelago
Mozambique
Island
Pemba Bay
Angoche
Bazaruto
Inhambane
Bay
Maputo
Pomene
Past hotspots
Viable population
Legend:
Bazaruto Archipelago region
Chidenguele
Historical information suggests that dugongs were plentiful and widely distributed along the Mozambique coast.
This project aimed at determining the presence and/or absence of dugongs and their relative numbers in areas surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago, and assessing the extent and diversity of seagrass beds in these areas.
MZ2 aimed also to contribute at addressing threats to dugongs and their habitat.
The Dugongos.org (Associação para a Conservação e Protecção dos Dugongos) was created in 2012, aiming at promoting the conservation and protection of dugongs and other marine mammals in the Western Indian Ocean.
Dugongos.org has recently carried out research projects and environmental education activities in Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique, in order to raise awareness amongst coastal communities and produce information that can be used for decision making.
Current dugong distribution in Bazaruto Archipelago region
Past hotspots and location where the last viable population of dugongs can be found in Mozambique coast
Dugong accidentally caught in a net in June 2017, at Vilanculos (Bazaruto archipelago region)
Results from current surveys indicate that dugong population in Bazaruto archipelago region is estimated at about 300 individuals. However, more than 80% of this dugong population were found outside the boundaries of the MPAs, in areas that are remote and not surveilled by local authorities; Beach seine netting is still one of the major causes of dugong mortality in the region; The questionnaire surveys provided an insight into the historical distribution of dugongs in Mozambique coast and the causation of population decline in past hotspots.
Seagrass meadows are plentiful in Bazaruto archipelago region, however it is necessary to monitor this ecosystem to assess the potential long term impacts from major anthropogenic pressures (e.g. boating, netting, trampling) and climate extreme event (e.g. cyclones).
It is important to consider cultural and social aspects in the baseline of any environmental education and alternative livelihoods program. Results demonstrated that traditional beliefs played a major role in dugong conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. As the numbers of animals decline and sightings are not that common, traditional knowledge about the species tend to reduce. Using traditional knowledge inherited from ancestors can be a strong tool for conservation.
It is important to enable environment so that local communities can also benefit from conservation, engage in sustainable use of natural resources, and be able to recognize the value of natural assets for them.
Questionnaire surveys with local communities
(1) It is important to establish a monitoring plan for seagrasses meadows in Bazaruto Archipelago region. It also relevant to undertake a seagrass ecosystem valuation to understand how much ecosystem services provided by seagrass contribute to economy and coastal resiliency.
(2) Taking into consideration the social and cultural information obtained through the questionnaires, it is important to implement an environmental education program targeting remote coastal communities north of Inhassoro;
View of seagrass meadows during dugong aerial survey