Nacala - Mossuril

Located between the Nacala harbour and Mossuril District, the area encloses the Mozambique Island and a large portion of offshore area. The overall area covered is about 8,800 km squared.

Description

A high-energy environment with fringing and offshore reefs and three embayments with an
offshore upwelling caused by convergence of currents. Species richness and diversity is high resulting from the diverse assemblage of habitats represented. Eight species of mangrove trees occur in riverine and creek forests. The area is important for a number of endangered species, including the dugong, Humpback and Sperm whales, and is a nesting site for Green and Hawksbill turtles. It is reported that both species of whale breed off this area. The high productivity of the area supports high fisheries productivity and provides feeding for large numbers of juvenile tuna. It is of ecoregional importance because of the presence of dugong and breeding whales, as well as its function as a nursery area for juvenile tuna.

Contacts

Museu de História Natural; Instituto de Investigacoes Pesqueiras, Mozambique; and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane.

Conservation Status

Coral reefs and seagrass beds are overfished and the use of destructive fishing techniques is common. Mangrove forests are also being over-utilised and are at a critical level at localised sites. The 1998 El Niño affected coral communities. No formal conservation measures exist.

Summary of threats and information needs

back to top

back to Priority sites