All Out Africa and Tofo Scuba have partnered to collect data and raise awareness about the abundant life just off the shores of Mozambique.

The Whale Shark Marine Conservation Project involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The project is run by All Out Africa and involves collaboration with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and Tofo Scuba, both based in Mozambique as well as the Ecocean global whale shark database and a number of international marine research bodies and short term volunteers.

Whale sharks are the oceans biggest fish and although they are sharks, are harmless to people since they feed on plankton. Whale sharks are a threatened species and are relatively easy to monitor owing to their size (up to 20m long) and swimming next to them is an awe inspiring experience! They are also good indicators of ocean productivity and can play a flagship role for the conservation of other marine creatures. Very little is known about the population dynamics and threats to whale sharks and with the increase of boat and fishing activities their feeding and migratory activities may become influenced and they are vulnerable to death or injury through boat strikes.

The coral reefs that so much marine life is dependent on are under threat of exploitation, bleaching, alien invasive species and other ecological changes associated with tourism and other human activities. One of the components of the project is to monitor the condition of coral reefs in the Tofo area using methods based on the international reef check program. This involves doing scuba diving transects along the reefs and recording coral cover and indicator species of fish in one of Africa's best diving destinations.

Volunteer role
As a volunteer on the Whale Shark Conservation Project you will help carry out the marine research and monitoring activities for the project under the guidance of our project co-ordinator. You will join other volunteers on the project to collect the data via beach walks, boat surveys, swims and scuba dives off the coastline of Tofo in Mozambique. Volunteers are needed not only to carry out the field activities but also to help fund the project. You can expect an excellent diving, snorkeling and beach experience whilst gaining first hand marine research skills and contributing to a worthwhile project.

As a volunteer you will help monitor whale shark numbers, behavior and ecology and take underwater identification photographs of the whale sharks. You will also join research scuba dives to help monitor the condition of coral reefs and indicator species of reef fish. At certain times of the year it you may help survey humpbacked whale numbers and turtle nesting activity as well as other indicators of the health of marine biodiversity. You may also assist with beach cleanups and other general environmental activities. You may also help upload and analyze the field data and create awareness among the general public of the importance of the marine environment.