Tofo Scuba has been supporting marine research at Tofo Beach since its inception in 2005. We are closely linked with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna (FPMM), who lead scientific programmes on manta ray and whale shark populations in Mozambique.

The Tofo coast is a world hot-spot for these huge, harmless sharks and rays, with over 800 manta rays and 400 whale sharks identified from Tofo and its immediate surrounds ? that?s over 20% of the known world whale shark population!

Manta ray research is led by Dr. Andrea Marshall. Andrea?s PhD thesis on Mozambican manta rays was the first to ever be completed on the species in the world, and made the amazing discovery that there are actually two species of manta rays in the world: the large, highly-migratory giant manta ray (Manta birostris) and the smaller, more resident reef manta ray (Manta alfredi). 

Whale shark research is led by Dr. Simon Pierce. Since his arrival in 2005, Simon has identified more individual whale sharks than anyone else in the world. Whale sharks are found year-round in Mozambique, with peak numbers in warmer months. The year-round success rate for whale shark snorkelling trips approaches 90%.

Tofo Scuba supports FPMM through the provision of field and logistical support to scientists. Almost all Ocean Safaris and many dives will have a scientist or postgraduate student on-board to conduct their research and to provide insights into the lives of these immense fishes and other marine life in the region. 

To find out more about FPMM?s research, you can visit their website at www.marinemegafauna.org or follow day-to-day research activities at their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Foundation-for-the-Protection-of-Marine-Megafauna/119884937684). Andrea and Simon also give weekly talks at Casa Barry Lodge (www.casabarry.com) that we encourage all of our clients to attend.

Dr. Simon Pierce
Lead Scientist
Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna
Tofo Beach, Mozambique
http://www.marinemegafauna.org

Phone: +258 847541320
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