Status of Quirimbas, Bazaruto and Ponta do Ouro marine protected areas of Mozambique

Abstract

With about 2 470 km of coastline, Mozambique is composed of a vast diversity of terrestrial, marine, coastal and aquatic ecosystems that contain habitats that support an enormous diversity of species. The main threats to the biodiversity are linked to human activities. In view of threats to the biodiversity one of the significant steps taken was the signature of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and establishment of the Protected Areas in order to maintain biodiversity, conserve natural heritage also to promote tourism. The main objective of the present work was critical review of MPAs of Mozambique to identify priority areas for the improvement of the protection network; this study will contribute with MPAs information that will be useful to authorities and other stakeholders in their effort to reach a sustainable fishery management and future implementation of MPAs. For this study information was mainly derived from bibliographical revision, also on existing databases, visits and interview to the communities and managers. The assessment of the actualy status of Protected Areas network of Mozambique showed importants points in some strengths as: existence of management plans, proper selection, from PAs tourism has contributed to the country's economy, ect.; and also founded some weaknesses as: small proportion of marine areas of Mozambique, low staff and budget allocated for the management, illegal fishing and poor oversight, ect. From those challenges the present study proposes to increase the marine portion of marine protected area; more number of staff and capacities in MPAs needed; also to improve the oversight system using boats with alarm systems in case of violation of the law of the protected area and regular monitoring, ect., to improve the current situation of the PAs of Mozambique.