WCS Mozambique participated in the 8th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium, which took place between September 15 and 19, 2025, in Makhanda, South Africa. The meeting was organized by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and hosted by WCS as a sponsor. It brought together researchers, conservationists, and Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers from eastern Africa.
Over five days, experts shared scientific knowledge on sharks and rays conservation, including topics such as fishing, communication, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, as well as exploring ways to strengthen cross-border cooperation for the protection of sharks and rays—species that are fundamental to the health of the oceans but increasingly threatened in the region.
Mozambique was represented by a strong delegation composed of WCS Mozambique, the Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM), the Natural History Museum (MHN), Maputo National Park (MNAP), the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), and All Out Africa. The symposium also included representatives from WCS Kenya, WCS Gabon, and WCS Tanzania, consolidating a network of scientific and institutional collaboration that transcends borders.
WCS Mozambique’s participation reflected years of joint work at national and local levels, sharing experiences based on technical and scientific support activities to the Government of Mozambique in advancing the conservation of sharks and rays through the dissemination of the Maritime Fisheries Regulation (REPMAR), which strengthens the protection of endangered marine species. In addition, WCS shared experiences on activities that have been developed with partners and communities in monitoring sharks and rays at landing sites, as well as in research using bait-rigged remote video (BRUV).
These efforts promote community management and generate essential data to guide the conservation and protection of marine habitats and species.