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Whale Shark and Manta Ray Conservation including Padi Diving Course in Mozambique

Location Mozambique
Start Date 1st Monday of every month
Duration
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The Project

Volunteer in Mozambique on the Whale Shark and Manta Ray Marine Conservation Project and help with hands-on whale shark research, coral reef monitoring, humpbacked whale monitoring and turtle nest surveys. Explore one of Africa's best scuba diving destinations with a PADI Dive Course, which is included in the project.

The Whale Shark Marine Conservation Project involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The project collaborates with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and Tofo Scuba, both based in Mozambique as well as the Ecocean global whale shark database and a number of international marine research bodies.
Why the project needs you

Whale sharks are the oceans biggest fish and although they are sharks, are harmless to people since they feed on plankton. Whale sharks are a threatened species and are relatively easy to monitor owing to their size (up to 20m long) and swimming next to them is an awe inspiring experience! They are also good indicators of ocean productivity and can play a flagship role for the conservation of other marine creatures. Very little is known about the population dynamics and threats to whale sharks and with the increase of boat and fishing activities their feeding and migratory activities may become influenced and they are vulnerable to death or injury through boat strikes.

The coral reefs that so much marine life is dependant on are under threat of exploitation, bleaching, alien invasive species and other ecological changes associated with tourism and other human activities. One of the components of the project is to monitor the condition of coral reefs in the Tofo area using methods based on the international reef check program. This involves doing scuba diving transects along the reefs and recording coral cover and indicator species of fish in one of Africa’s best diving destinations.

Project Location

You will be placed in Tofo beach, located on the eastern shores of Inhambane Peninsula and 22km outside Inhambane City. Tofo is proudly acclaimed as the best place in the world to see the peaceful giant of the fishes, the whale shark. Alongside the Whale Sharks, Giant Manta Rays, Turtles and colourful marine life, can be found amongst the magnificent coral reefs so close to the beach, making snorkelling and scuba diving in Tofo a very popular activity.

Much of the entertainment here is based around the beautiful waters. So you can sail via Dhow safari to the Bazaruto Islands, or go deep sea fishing. During the evening time you can sample some of the beachfront seafood restaurants. The volunteer beach house is situated one road away from the beach (an easy 200 metre walk to the beach and local market). There are very basic shops, a few restaurants and bars and a number of beach activities available closeby.
Project Facts

• Duration: 3 to 12 weeks
• Cost: £1825 ($3194) for 3 weeks, £275 ($481) week thereafter
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Tofo, Mozambique
• Project activities: Whale Shark and Manta ray research and data collection, take underwater photographs, GPS positioning and coral reef monitoring.
• Working hours: 08:30 - 15:00, Monday - Friday
• Project Availability: Project start the 1st Monday of each month.
What is included

•Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
•Food: 3 Meals a day
•PADI scuba diving open water course and qualification. Other improvement courses for those qualified
•Airport pick up and drop off
•Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
•Daily transfers to and from your project.
•Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
•Activities: Staff help organise weekend activities. (Activity price may be extra) Trips include snorkeling safaris and horse riding on the beach.
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Role of the volunteer

As a volunteer on the Whale Shark Conservation Project you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our project co-ordinator. You will join other volunteers on the project to collect the data via beach walks, boat surveys, swims and scuba dives off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. Volunteers are needed not only to carry out the field activities but also to help fund the project. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand marine research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

As a volunteer you will help monitor whale shark numbers, behavior and ecology and take underwater identification photographs of the whale sharks. You will also join research scuba dives to help monitor the condition of coral reefs and indicator species of reef fish. At certain times of the year you may help survey humpbacked whale numbers and turtle nesting activity as well as other indicators of the health of marine biodiversity. You may also assist with beach cleanups and other general environmental activities. You may also help upload and analyze the field data and create awareness among the general public of the importance of the marine environment.

The whale shark component of the conservation project involves joining boat launches under the guidance of our project co-ordinator on ocean safaris to snorkel with whale sharks in the open ocean. It involves taking underwater photographs for identifying the whale sharks as well as recording other ecological information. As a summary, you will collect the following information on the whale sharks:
·Date, GPS location, surface and underwater conditions
·Size, sex, scars/distinctive features, behaviour of the whale shark
·You will take an identification photograph and name each whale shark & record re-sightings

The coral reef monitoring involves joining boat launches under the guidance of our project co-ordinator on scuba dives and carrying our underwater data collection on indicator species of coral fish and the condition and cover of coral on the reefs. As a summary, on these research dives you may carry out the following activities:
·Reef transects recording indicator species of reef fish
·Timed counts of the numbers of each indicator species of reef fish
·Coral reef quadrats to assess the cover and condition of different coral groups

During June-August you may help monitor the numbers of humpbacked whales on their seasonal migration up and down the coast. This involves beach based observations using binoculars and boat based observations recording the numbers of whales and where possible the makeup of the pods. Although their numbers have increased these whales are still vulnerable and this work will help provide recommendations for the improved conservation of these important ocean giants.

During October-February you may help survey for turtle mortality on beaches in the areas around Tofo. Historically, loggerhead turtles have nested here in significant numbers and although these, as well as leatherback turtles and hawksbill turtles are sighted in-water, their nesting has declined dramatically owing to poaching. The surveys involve working with local community representatives to patrol the beaches at night during laying season (November-January) recording nest sites, finding turtle shells and doing GPS points to track mortality numbers, and tagging adults where possible. In addition you will have a chance to do morning observations to see if any fishermen are catching turtles as well as help raise awareness about turtles in the area.
Skills Required

In order to carry out these activities you will need to be a capable swimmer (able to swim 100m unassisted) and snorkeler, being able to hold your breath to dive down would be an advantage.

In order to carry out these activities you will need to be capable of equalizing your ear pressure and willing to learn to scuba dive. A four day internationally recognized PADI open water diving course is provided as part of this project to train you to be able to carry out this coral reef monitoring. If you already have this qualification you may do an advanced open water diving course instead or an equivalent number of extra research dives.

Your life outside the project

During weekends you will be free to travel and explore as you choose. Various activities are available including horse riding, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving or just relaxing on the beach. Where possible long weekends may be arranged and expeditions to Kruger National Park and Swaziland may be available. These activities are optional and extra though as a volunteer you would be given a special reduced rate.
Ideas for Independent Travel

Diving

Mozambique offers some of the best diving in southern Africa with warm waters, varied and abundant marine life, uncrowded and uncommercialized sites and excellent visibility. The most popular location is the Bazaruto archipelago that has outstanding diving and snorkeling opportunities, including Manta Reef, Two-Mile Reef, Vengies, Rainbow Runner Reef and the Greek Temple. The waters offshore of the Inhambane area are also a snorkeling and diving paradise with pristine reefs and an abundance of manta rays and whale sharks. During the winter months (June to September) there is a chance of close-up encounters with the migrating humpback whales. Situated almost 25 miles (40km) off the coast of Maputo, Inhaca Island is a popular destination boasting beautiful beaches, some of the Mozambique Channel's best coral reefs, a historic lighthouse, marine biology museum and large areas of protected forest.

Fishing

Mozambique offers some of the world's best fishing and some of the most challenging big game fishing in southern Africa, particularly around Guinjata Bay and the deep waters of the Mozambique Channel. Marlin, sailfish and other huge fish weighing over 1,000 pounds (454kg) can be caught, however a catch and release system is encouraged to protect the natural resources. A number of centres along the coast also offer rock, surf and fly-fishing.

Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

Mozambique's wildlife population was all but decimated during the 14 years of war preceding 1990, and the country's parks have been battling to restore their game reserves ever since.

To achieve the conservation sustainability of Limpopo National Park, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe joined up three national parks crossing their borders to produce the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. A total of 147 species are known from the area, with a population of 3,000 white rhino present in the Kruger Park is the biggest anywhere, while the 300 black rhino is the second largest population. 1,500 lions, 2,000 spotted hyaenas, 8,320 elephants, 32,000 Burchell's zebra, 2,200 hippos, 5,000 giraffes, 1,500 warthogs, 17,000 buffaloes, 3,500 kudu, 1,500 waterbuck, 14,000 blue wildebeest and over 100,000 impala. It's a vast area which is largely undiscovered and is far less developed than the likes of the Serengetti.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.

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Whale Shark and Manta Ray Conservation including Padi Diving Course in Mozambique

The Project

Why the project needs you

Project Facts

What is included

What is not included

Role of the volunteer

Skills Required

Your life outside the project

Ideas for Independent Travel

Related Projects

Other Projects in Mozambique