A BCSS research expedition recently encountered a group of ten orcas (Orcinus orca) in the Bazaruto seascape, an exceptional orca sighting in Mozambique and the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean. An Unusual Start to the Survey At the beginning of the survey, humpback whales in the area were unusually quiet, with almost no surface activity. This […]
Rare Orca Sighting in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Seascape Read More »
On 11 September 2026, BCSS researchers and participants in our Scientific Training Program (STP) travelled south for one of our weekly oceanic expeditions, conducting spatial mapping of marine megafauna across the Greater Bazaruto Seascape. The survey took the team into the sheltered coastal waters around the São Sebastião Sanctuary, where they recorded an exceptional seven
A Remarkable Dolphin Day in the Greater Bazaruto Seascape Read More »
What happens after a shark disappears beneath the surface? Traditional surveys can tell researchers where an animal was observed at a particular moment. But highly mobile marine species can move between coastal habitats, continental shelf margins, deep water and offshore environments, often travelling beyond the areas scientists are able to monitor directly. Satellite telemetry provides
Inside BCSS’s 2026 Satellite Tagging Season: Train Alongside a Marine Research Team Read More »
Have you ever wondered how marine scientists gain the experience needed to work on conservation projects, lead research expeditions or protect some of the world’s most important marine ecosystems? For many students and recent graduates, the biggest challenge isn’t earning a degree – it’s gaining the practical experience needed to turn academic knowledge into a
Each year, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate thousands of kilometres from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warmer waters of East Africa, where they breed, give birth and care for their calves. As the 2026 whale season begins in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the BCSS research team is once again documenting these remarkable visitors and contributing
New Flukes, Familiar Faces: Humpback Whale Research Updates from the Field Read More »
Researchers working on sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras are invited to contribute to a Frontiers in Fish Science Topic exploring new approaches to elasmobranch research and conservation in regions where long-term ecological and fisheries data remain limited. The Research Topic, Innovative Conservation Strategies for Elasmobranchs in Data-Poor Regions, brings together research and practical approaches addressing
Seasonal ocean conditions shape every marine encounter in the Bazaruto Archipelago. This blog acts as a guide to help you discover the best time to visit based on your interests, BCSS’s long-term wildlife observations, Ocean Observatory data, and marine research. The Ocean Never Stands Still When people think about seasons, they usually think about changing
A Guide to Bazaruto’s Seasons: When to See Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales and Manta Rays Read More »
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
BCSS Whale Shark & Megafauna ID Expeditions provide guests with the opportunity to participate in operational marine megafauna spatial mapping surveys conducted within the greater Bazaruto Seascape. Built around BCSS’s long-term Theme 2 monitoring program, these expeditions contribute to ongoing research focused on species identification, habitat mapping, and understanding the distribution of resident and migratory
Join Whale Shark & Megafauna ID Expeditions in Mozambique Read More »
Every year between July and September, the waters surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park begin to transform. The ocean becomes louder. Surface activity increases. Blow sightings appear on the horizon. Breaching events become part of daily fieldwork. This is Whale season Mozambique — one of the most active and dynamic marine monitoring periods in the
Whale Season Mozambique: Humpback Whale Research Placements at BCSS Read More »