Mozambique’s marine environment is a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. Its waters host an incredible array of creatures, from fish and seahorses to dugongs and turtles. This rich biodiversity isn’t just a natural treasure; it’s a cornerstone of Mozambique’s economic potential and social well-being.

However, this delicate ecosystem faces grave threats. Illegal fishing and overfishing are pushing marine species to the brink, disrupting ecological balance and jeopardizing livelihoods dependent on the sea. Recognizing the urgency, Akashinga took a bold step in 2022, expanding into the Coutada 5 (C5) area of central Mozambique to tackle these pressing challenges.

Akashinga’s strategy begins at the grassroots level. Working closely with local communities and authorities, the team initiated sensitization programmes to highlight the value of Mozambique’s marine life. These efforts lay the groundwork for stronger enforcement of legislation designed to curb illegal marine activities.

One of the programme’s standout successes is the deployment of the Guardas de Tartarugas — a specially trained Turtle Guard unit. While their primary role is to monitor turtle nesting, their efforts have gone far beyond that. The Turtle Guards have intercepted illegal mangrove loggers, collaborated with coastal police to recover poached turtles, and even uncovered cases involving whiprays and a threatened shark species.

Dr Jessica Williams, Akashinga’s Country Scientist in Mozambique, underscores the significance of this work. Beyond safeguarding turtle populations, the team’s monitoring efforts are identifying critical hotspots for sharks and rays, further cementing the area’s importance for marine conservation.

As Akashinga looks to the future, we are focused on raising funds and resources to expand patrolling, improve monitoring systems, and strengthen coordination with other conservation agencies. Longer-term goals include advocating for stricter regulations and closing loopholes in existing laws that allow illegal activities to persist.

These initiatives are not just about protecting marine life today; they’re about fostering systemic change to ensure a thriving marine ecosystem for future generations.

Despite these strides, much work remains to be done. Akashinga’s vision of a healthy and bountiful marine ecosystem relies on the collective power of its global community. Whether through funding, advocacy, or spreading awareness, everyone has a role to play in this mission.

Together, we can ensure Mozambique’s marine treasures continue to thrive, supporting biodiversity, local economies, and the cultural heritage tied to its waters.