Unique: 3D Maps of our Dive Sites via Seabed Beam Technology
The dive center has curated a list of dive sites including coral reefs, deep pinnacles, shipwrecks and drop offs, afterthousands of hours of scientific surveys to assess the underwater biodiversity in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Visitors enjoy a selected list of sites where scientific and technical knowledge has already been extensively gathered to ensure the best possible experience. The scientific team has 3D mapped all dive sites using seabed beam technology, to facilitate technical briefings as well as providing a unique vision of the underwater topography in 2D and 3D.
Wildlife Sightings: Ornate Eagle Ray (again!), Swimming with Whales and Dolphins and Turtle Rescue
As humpback whale season is in full swing, the team has recorded numerous of whale sightings, and even had the opportunity to swim alongside a super pod of spinner dolphins and humpback whales. They also rescued a loggerhead turtle tangled in fishing nets, found east of the BANP. The most spectacular recording was a rare ornate eagle ray, which swam by one of the ReMoTURB project‘s BRUV installations, south of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
July 4th: Eighteen Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were seen in the Bazaruto Archipelago, as well as an endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas).
July 9th: In the eastern area of the park, the team came across a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) tangled in fishing gear. Fortunately, the team managed to reach the turtle and cut the gear off, whereafter the turtle swam off.
July 12th: An incredibly rare ornate eagle ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) was recorded on video via a BRUV unit, which was installed as part of the ReMoTURB project in the south of Bazaruto Island.
July 18th: The team spotted a humpback whale (M. novaeangliae).
July 20th: A bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops Sp.) and seven humpback whales (M. novaeangliae) were seen.
July 23rd: A super pod of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and three humpback whales (M.novaeangliae) were moving northwards.
July 27th: More than 200 spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), 24 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops Sp.) and seven humpback whales (M. novaeangliae) were sighted, alongside three giant guitarfish (Rhainobatidae Sp.).
July 28th: A leopard whipray (Himantura leoparda), reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and two Jenkins’ whiprays (Pateobatis jenkinsii) were seen, alongside the spectacular sighting of ten oceanic blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus).
Students Assist with Research Focusing on the Biogeochemical responses of Upwelling in the Bazaruto Archipelago
During the Scientific Training Program, students take advantage of participating in and learning about as much scientific fieldwork as possible. Recently, the current trainees took part in the field and lab work which falls under BCSS’s Research Theme 1 (ecosystem function & monitoring), as the team has started conducting research on the correlation between chemistry and biology factors derived from areas around moorings in a region east off Bazaruto Island and ReMoTURB’s scientific sensors, which provide data on sea temperature, salinity, fluorescence (indicator of chlorophyll for ocean productivity) as well as the strength and direction of currents.
“A life-changing experience” Emily Velasquez’s Review of her Scientific Training Program at BCSS
“My time at the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can confidently say that it was a life-changing experience. BCSS felt like one big family; everyone was so friendly and supportive, making me feel at home right from the start. The range of activities we engaged in at BCSS was mind-boggling. From conducting scientific diving expeditions to collecting and analyzing seawater samples for oceanography studies, every day was filled with new challenges and opportunities for learning. Assisting with the maintenance and operation of ocean observatory stations and learning 3D seabed mapping using advanced technologies were experiences that deepened my understanding of marine research. I was thrilled to discover that my internship earned me four college credits, a testament to the educational value of this program. “
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