Time to reflect on an extraordinary year of achievements, discoveries, and partnerships at BCSS. From sound research and collaborative ventures to significant milestones, with its sister property Kisawa, BCSS continues to lead in marine science and sustainability. Our Impact Report details a groundbreaking year. Here are the highlights.
BCSS monitoring confirms at least 12 marine mammal species in the Bazaruto seascape, including seven dolphins and four baleen whales. (Orlando Miranda + Salvador Colvee/BCSS)
A Hub for Research and Exploration
In 2024, BCSS solidified its reputation as a premier center for marine science and exploration, drawing 104 visitors, including researchers, students, and divers. These visits provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the region’s vibrant biodiversity and contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries.
Further advancing marine research, BCSS experts were instrumental in peer-reviewed studies published in prestigious journals demonstrating BCSS’s global scientific impact.
Research Impact
On the technical end, BCSS data science was also abuzz. The BCSS Ocean Observatory gathered a wealth of critical data, recording millions of weather and oceanographic data points, tens of thousands of underwater sensor readings, more than 1,500 hours of bioacoustic and anthropogenic sound recordings , and over 13,000 wildlife encounters comprising several dozens of megafauna species. Meanwhile, ongoing studies in coral and sea urchin populations, zooplankton biomass, and seawater composition continue to enrich our understanding of marine ecosystems, cementing BCSS’ critical role in oceanic research in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).
For a closer look into the vast diversity of life present in the Bazaruto seascape, read the impact report and refer to our article about your chances of encountering the oceanic ‘Big Five’ when diving with us. Or, if you would like to understand better how data collection such as ours accelerates ocean conservation in the WIO and beyond, have a read our new op-ed in Kambaku.
Diving Deep into Biodiversity, Preservation, and Education
Expanding Scientific Diving
Diving programs at BCSS reached new heights in 2024, witnessing a 168% rise in participation. A total of 76 divers engaged in 25 specialized courses, including five Dive Master certifications. This dynamic blend of recreation, education, and scientific exploration resulted in hundreds of hours at sea and beneath the ocean surface, facilitating a multitude of megafauna surveys. Each dive reinforced BCSS’s commitment to marine conservation while immersing participants in the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Battling Marine Debris: A Collective Effort
Visitors, volunteers, and staff collected more than data and dive logs though.
Together we cleaned up almost 2.5 metric tons of marine debris in various ecosystems. From discarded fishing lines to ghost nets tangled in coral reefs, these efforts highlight the ongoing battle to safeguard fragile marine habitats. Marine pollution remains a critical concern, and so in collaboration with Universal Plastic, BCSS continues to tackle this global challenge head-on.
Flamingos’ Intricate Ornaments
It was not only our staff and volunteers that worked to keep the Bazaruto Archipelago pretty.
Benguerra Island’s intertidal zones served as the site of a beautiful nature spectacle. Greater and Lesser Flamingos created distinctive circular feeding patterns through a technique known as “rotating stamping.” These intricate formations highlight the birds’ ecological significance and double as nature’s own artwork.
Flamingos will not remain the only feathered friends we’ll be keeping an eye on in 2025 as BCSS has initiated systematic marine bird monitoring and is poised to expand its avian research.
Global Recognition and Advocacy
Blue Economy Summit
Off the island it was our leadership, comprised of BCSS Founder Nina Flohr and Dr. Mario Lebrato , who took the stage at the Blue Economy Summit in Milan, where they highlighted the pivotal role of whales in nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. Their presentation also showcased BCSS’ pioneering approaches to marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.
In the Spotlight
BCSS received major media attention this year as well, with features in Alert Diver magazine and the WIOMSA newsletter highlighting its pioneering work in scientific diving, coral reef monitoring, and species tracking. Media outlets worldwide celebrated BCSS’ efforts, from documenting elasmobranch distribution to its success in marine debris removal.
Groundbreaking Partnerships
Strengthening its international collaborations, BCSS established new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and collaborated on funding proposals, reinforcing its dedication to impactful research and conservation initiatives.
These partnerships expand research in marine debris tracking, genetic studies of key species like the Yellow-edged Lyretail Grouper, and the application of buoy technology for enhanced data collection. For full rundown on our collaborative efforts, please consult the report.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 drew to a close, BCSS earned a prestigious nomination for the Earthshot Prize 2025 in the “Revive Our Oceans” category. This accolade recognizes BCSS’ forward-thinking marine conservation strategies, innovative research, and dedication to empowering local communities.
With ambitious plans to expand research, forge new partnerships, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, BCSS is hopeful for another transformative year. As 2025 has began to unfold, the mission to explore, study, and protect our oceans continues.
Read our 2024 Kisawa-BCSS Impact Report:
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For questions about this article, please contact:
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org
To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/
To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/
