Inhambane Bay

This site in southern Mozambique extends from Morrumbene to the estuary of the Mutambia River and covers approximately 840 km squared.

Description

Shallow bay with extensive seagrass beds and two major river estuaries lined with mangroves. A relatively closed bay that is an important feeding ground for dugong. It also provides habitat for dolphins (especially Bottlenose dolphins) and is a stop over point for Humpback whales. There are significant nesting sites for Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles in the area. It is also an important feeding area for migrant birds. The site was given subregional status because of the turtle nesting sites and as a feeding area for dugong.

Contacts

Instituto de Investigacoes Pesqueiras, Mozambique and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane.

Conservation Status

No formal conservation initiatives are present in the area. There is very heavy erosion in Maxixe, high human population density and uncontrolled tourism development with some pollution from the rivers caused by poor upstream agricultural activities.

Summary of threats and information needs

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