In Mozambique, nearly two-thirds of Mozambique’s population resides in the coastal region, and fishing sustains the health and livelihoods of many, also generating export revenue from shrimp and commercial fishing. Offshore oil and gas exploration and production is beginning, and seaborne trade to service the extractive industries and commerce is growing. Other marine sectors, such as scuba diving and marine research are active The World Bank, in their report “Blue Economy”, highlights a useful set of marine and coastal sectors, captured in Figure 1 below. 




These sectors contain industries that depend on renewable marine resources, such as fisheries; non-renewable resources, such as seabed throughout Mozambique, with areas such as Ponta do Ouro, Inhambane and Vilanculos internationally known. With limited government resources and a general lack of attention (for example on policy, monitoring, conservation) on marine ecosystems, additional resources can help the Government of Mozambique and conservation partners tap into Mozambique marine resources in a responsible and economically sustainable fashion mining and offshore oil and gas; trade, such as shipping, marine and coastal tourism and ocean monitoring and surveillance; and indirect contributors, such as marine and coastal area management, protection, and restoration.



As the figure above shows, the blue economy is large and contains productive sectors that hold immense economic potential for Mozambique, and at the same time need to be managed to ensure Mozambique’s marine assets are not degraded. In this section, we provide only  brief overviews of fisheries, marine and coastal tourism, marine extractive industries, maritime transport/shipping and indirect contributors, such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection. We include the fisheries sector because it is important for the economy, local communities, government and donors. 




At the same time, because of its direct link to community livelihoods, there are more donors (e.g., Norway) and NGOs (e.g., WWF) involved in supporting the fisheries sector. Marine and coastal tourism in Mozambique not only brings in important foreign exchange revenues and creates employment, it can support biodiversity conservation programs. Getting the market systems around MPAs working efficiently is critical for sustainability as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.


In 2018, tourism generated $331 million in revenues for Mozambique, almost 5 times more than its fishing sector.117 And the authors believe these numbers underestimate the impact tourism can have on the Mozambican economy and on the marine conservation sector. Mozambique’s marine biodiversity is the main draw for marine and coastal tourists, so it is vital that Mozambique protects its marine assets in order to continue sustainable growth of these sectors. 


In Mozambique, marine and coastal tourism includes diving, research, maritime archaeology, surfing, cruises, ecotourism, and recreational fishing operations. While the natural assets are world class, the enabling environment to unlock the potential of the sector lags behind its SADC neighbors. Transport and infrastructure is a financing challenge, for example, however small policy changes like offering e-visas are needed to make Mozambique an attractive destination that can compete with the likes of South Africa in the region. MIMAIP is charged with being the central driving force to address enabling environment actions for the blue economy.


In terms of seascape-based activity design that could help improve management and coordination needed to attract tourism investment.

 a few private sector lodges in Mozambique have been active in setting up local MCCAs. For instance, Kwalala Lodge in Nacala set up a small 450m x 150m protected reef, called Bonita Reef, in Nacala. They have worked closely with the fishing association and local officials to help educate fishermen on the importance of having protected reefs. The program is all self-funded, and revenues from diving help with education programs, but more could be done. Expanding programs such as these to other private sector operators holds potential, and is part of the enabling environment for tourism. 


there is only a small subset of species that are actively monitored in Mozambique, such as turtles, dugongs, whale sharks and mantas. Typically, scientists monitor and record data. But there is a growing segment of recreational divers contributing to identification and monitoring. A recent journal article in 2020 found that recreational divers were able to effectively identify, and record species provided to them in a monitoring slate.118  Programs such as these can be expanded to the dive centers around the country. 


Marine conservation efforts the crowd-sourced photos and data can also be used in marketing to the international diving community. Artificial reefs are man-made structures that mimic characteristics of a natural reef. Over the course of months and years, corals grow on the man-made reefs that attract fish, and create a new and healthy marine environment. Artificial reefs increase habitat, which in turn can increase fishing and diving opportunities. 


A review by the US National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on artificial reefs outlines the numerous benefits artificial reefs have for marine environments. The private sector involved in coastal and marine tourism in Mozambique understands their growth is tied to the conservation of the marine assets and are often the most vocal in advocating for protected areas and monitoring activities. Further, it is the private sector that pays the park fees, such as in the Ponta Partial Marine,

 

Recently, many countries have developed large artificial reef programs, such as Jordan, which sunk military equipment and is now an international dive destination.  Florida has numerous famous artificial reefs, and Australia is currently constructing a $2.38 million artificial reef, which will be the largest artificial reef in the southern hemisphere