On 11–12 June 2026, Organised by BIOFUND, the 4th Marine Biodiversity Conference (CBM) brought together hundreds of participants including scientists, government representatives, conservation organisations, academia, civil society organisations, policymakers, and coastal communities in Maputo, Mozambique, to discuss the future of marine conservation and sustainable blue economy development. Hosted as part of the 3rd Crescendo Azul (Blue Growth) Conference, the event focused on strengthening the links between marine biodiversity conservation, policy, and sustainable development.
Representing the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), Research Manager Dércio Maoze presented two studies during the Marine Megafauna session, contributing new insights into the conservation status, distribution, and protection challenges facing sharks and rays along the Mozambican coastline.
Addressing Critical Data Gaps for Sharks and Rays
Elasmobranchs — sharks and rays — are among the most threatened marine vertebrates globally. Despite their ecological importance, significant knowledge gaps remain across the Western Indian Ocean, limiting effective conservation and management efforts.
The first study presented by BCSS examined reef-associated shark and ray communities along the southern coast of Inhambane Province using Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). Between 2019 and 2024, researchers conducted 226 BRUV deployments across five locations: Zavora, Rocha, Tofo, Barra, and Morrungulo.
The study documented 17 taxa, including 15 species identified to species level, representing a diverse assemblage of reef-associated elasmobranchs. Alarmingly, 80% of the identified species were classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, while more than half lacked specific legal protection under Mozambique’s current conservation framework.
These findings provide one of the first standardised, multi-year baselines for reef-associated elasmobranchs in southern Mozambique and highlight the urgent need to align national protection measures with current extinction risk assessments.
Research Manager Dércio Maoze presenting during the Marine Megafauna session
Two Decades of Citizen Science
The second study presented explored how citizen science can contribute to marine conservation at a national scale.
Drawing on two decades of observations, the research revealed important spatial biases and conservation gaps in available elasmobranch records along Mozambique’s coastline. The work demonstrates how citizen science can help fill critical information gaps in regions where long-term scientific monitoring remains financially and logistically challenging. Both studies were presented during the Marine Megafauna session, moderated by Stela Fernandes of the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM), and attended by researchers and conservation practitioners working on marine species conservation across the region.Â
Together, both studies reinforce the importance of expanding data collection efforts for sharks and rays while demonstrating the value of complementary research approaches.
Cost-Effective Tools for Conservation
A key message emerging from both presentations was the effectiveness of combining citizen science initiatives with BRUVS technology to monitor marine biodiversity.
In countries where resources for large-scale biodiversity surveys are limited, these methodologies offer accessible and cost-effective alternatives that can generate robust scientific data across broad geographic areas. The studies demonstrate how citizen science and BRUVS can complement traditional research approaches, helping scientists, funders, and decision-makers better understand biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities.
Research Manager Dércio Maoze presenting during the Marine Megafauna session
From Science to Policy
Both presentations highlighted a recurring challenge in marine conservation: the disconnect between scientific understanding and legal protection.
By identifying threatened species that remain inadequately protected under existing legislation, the research calls attention to the need for policy review and stronger conservation measures at the national level.
As Mozambique continues to strengthen its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable blue economy development, scientific evidence such as this plays a critical role in informing future management decisions.
BCSS is proud to contribute to national and regional discussions on marine biodiversity conservation and remains committed to advancing research that supports evidence-based conservation across Mozambique’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
🔗 Learn more about Why Citizen Science Matters for Marine Conservation
🔗 Explore IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
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For questions about this article, please contact:Â
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org Â
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