Volunteer Programs in Mozambique | Whale Shark conservation

Volunteer Activities

	Snorkel with whale sharks in the open ocean
	Take underwater photographs and name the whale sharks for identification purposes
	Record observations such as GPS location and water conditions
	Report the size, sex, distinctive features, and behaviour of the whale sharks
	Record re-sightings
	Perform reef transects and record indicator species of reef fish
	Assess the cover and condition of different coral reef areas

Volunteer Program at a Glance

Start Dates:
First Monday of every month: January 4th , February 1st, March 5th,
April 3rd, may 7th, June 5th, July 2nd, August 2nd, September 6th, October 4th, November 1st, December 6th.

Program Length:
Minimum:
4 weeks,
8 weeks,
12 weeks

Program Cost:
4 Weeks:
US $3172
8 Weeks:
US $4407
12 Weeks:
US $5293

Cost includes:

Accommodations

All meals

Orientation upon arrival

PADI Open Water course (or advanced course, or research dives for an equivalent value)

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Full support and daily guidance from the program coordinator and assistant coordinator

Program equipment

Program activities, including boat launches for whale shark snorkelling and research dives

Schedule: Days 1 and 2: arrival and orientation; Week 1: a PADI dive course (or equivalent dives); Weeks 2-4: program activities, including an average of one or two dives per week and two or three whale shark launches per week.

Requirements:
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and a capable swimmer and snorkeler.

What Volunteers Can Do:

Volunteers on the Whale Shark Conservation Program will help to carry out marine research and the monitoring of whale sharks off the coast of Mozambique. Program volunteers can help to collect data via beach walks, boat surveys, swims, and scuba dives along the coastline of Tofo. Volunteers are needed not only to carry out the field activities but also to help fund the program. As a volunteer in this program, you'll satisfy your need for adventure by diving, snorkeling, and swimming, while also learning marine research skills and contributing to an important program.

Why Volunteer in Mozambique?

The Whale Shark Marine Conservation Volunteer Program involves gathering field data on whale sharks, coral reefs, and other marine biodiversity to make recommendations for improving the conservation of marine life as well as creating general awareness about the marine environment. The program is run by our partners in Mozambique in collaboration with the Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna and Tofo Scuba, both based in Mozambique, as well as with the Ecocean Global Whale Shark Database and a number of international marine research bodies.

Whale sharks are the ocean's biggest fish. They are harmless to people and feed primarily on plankton. Whale sharks are a threatened species and can grow up to 20 meters long, making them easy to monitor. Swimming next to one of these large marine animals is an awe inspiring experience! Whale sharks are also good indicators of ocean productivity and can play a flagship role for the conservation of other marine creatures. Very little is known about the population dynamics and threats to whale sharks, but the increase of fishing and boat traffic is thought to influence their feeding and migratory activities. Whale sharks are also vulnerable to death or injury through boat strikes.

Mozambique Whale Shark Conservation Program Goals:

As a volunteer in this program, you will help monitor whale shark numbers and behavior, as well as identify them by taking underwater photographs. You will also join research scuba dives to help monitor the condition of coral reefs and the presence of indicator species of reef fish. At certain times of the year you may help survey humpback whale numbers and turtle nesting activity as well as other indicators of the health of the marine biodiversity off the coast of Mozambique. Volunteers also assist with beach cleanups and other general environmental activities. Additional volunteer tasks include helping to upload and analyze the field data, and helping to create awareness among the general public of the importance of the marine environment.

Airport Pickup and Orientation:

After being picked up at the airport, volunteers are taken the program accommodations site, where they are given a full 2-day orientation before starting the program.

Transportation:

Transport to and from the airport, between program sites, and for program needs is included.

Accommodations:

Volunteers will stay in a volunteer beach house equipped with electricity and running water. Volunteers share dorm rooms, with 6 people to a large room. The beach house is situated on the beach at the edge of Tofo village. Tofo's center is within easy walking distance, where there are very basic shops, a few restaurants and bars, and access to a number of beach and ocean activities.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for the duration of the program.

In-Country Support:

In-country support will be provided during your time in Mozambique. Onsite program coordinators and/or guides will always be present.

Mozambique Excursions:

During weekends, volunteers are free to travel and explore Mozambique. Possible activities include horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or just relaxing on the beach. When possible, long weekend trips may be arranged and expeditions to Kruger National Park and Swaziland may be available. These activities are optional and are offered at an additional cost.

Insurance for Volunteers:

	BridgeVolunteers provides emergency travel insurance for participants. For more information, please read our Insurance page.

Whale Shark Conservation Volunteer Program

Mozambique