The Mozambique Oceanographic Institute (InOM), in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, and Maputo National Park, has been sampling using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) in Maputo National Park, which is also an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) since 2 July.
BRUV frame being picked up after filming
This sampling is part of an initiative called Global FinPrint, which brings together researchers and collaborators from all over the world to study sharks, rays, and other marine species on coral reefs using BRUVS.
The information collected will be used to understand how the impacts on the populations of sharks and rays affect these threatened ecosystems.
Carcharinus obscurus recorded at a depth of 95 metres
InOM and WCS have been carrying out sampling using BRUVs in Maputo National Park since 2018 and to date 7 surveys have been carried out in coastal waters at depths of up to 40 meters. This is the first time that a deeper-water study (up to 150 meters) is being carried out.