Volunteer Role
The aim of the project is to monitor whale shark numbers and behaviour, as well as possibly monitoring loggerhead turtle nesting activity and the condition of the coral reef, in order to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Volunteers will be involved in conducting research on whale sharks. The whale shark is the world’s largest fish and is a threatened species. Even though they are sharks, they are harmless to humans as they feed on plankton and are relatively calm creatures making them easy and safe to monitor. Most of the research that you carry out will involve taking underwater photographs to help identify individual whale sharks. Whale shark monitoring is carried out while snorkelling in close proximity to them. You will assist with the investigation of their numbers, distribution and ecology in an attempt to help understand and conserve these magnificent fish.
Collect data during beach walks, boat surveys, swims and research dives along Mozambique’s coastline in and around the Tofo area. Duties will also include monitoring indicator fish species and coral condition to help in the overall research that is imperative in the conservation of this marine area. During the turtle-breeding season you can also be involved in the monitoring of nesting activity.
As a summary, you will collect the following information on the whale sharks:
- Date, GPS location, surface and underwater conditions
- Size, sex, scars/distinctive features, behaviour of the whale shark
- You will take an identification photograph and name each whale shark & record resightings
This information will be used to investigate the distribution, abundance, ecology and behaviour of the whale sharks in relation to environmental and human factors in a bid to improve their conservation.
PADI Course: At the beginning of the programme you will start an open water scuba diving course, which is included in the programme price and will last between 4 and 6 days, depending on conditions. This is an internationally accredited PADI course and once completed you will be awarded with a certificate permitting you to scuba dive anywhere in the world.
If you already have your PADI certificate you can still take part in the course as a refresher, take an advanced course or do dives for an equivalent value. While doing your PADI course and dives you will be slowly introduced to the activities that you will be involved in throughout the programme and you may even get started with some of them if you are ready. Once you have completed your course you will have the knowledge and skills to focus on carrying out the programme activities.
What’s Included in the Programme
- All accommodation throughout your programme
- All meals
- Orientation upon arrival
- PADI Open Water course (or advanced course, or research dives for an equivalent value)
- Transfer to and from Inhambane airport to Tofo
- Use of project equipment
- Project activities including boat launches for whale shark snorkelling and research dives
- Full support and assistance from the project coordinator
- 24-hour support number and contact for emergencies
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement
- All flights
- Telephone, internet, extra food and drinks, weekend activities
- Visas
Prices and Durations
Mozambique Whale Shark Conservation - 2 weeks $2,189
Mozambique Whale Shark Conservation - 4 weeks $3,259
Mozambique Whale Shark Conservation - 8 weeks $4,519
Mozambique Whale Shark Conservation - 12 weeks $5,439
