News
New Scientific Study Shows Economic Benefits of Manta Rays for the Mozambican Tourism Industry
A new scientific study by the Marine Megafauna Foundation, a global non-profit marine research and conservation organization, on the economic benefits of manta ray tourism in Mozambique has been published in Tourism in Marine Environments. This represents the first detailed study of its kind in Mozambique.
Manta rays are internationally threatened species and population declines have been reported in various locations worldwide. Aside from fishing pressure, manta rays face other anthropogenic threats including injuries or entanglement in discarded nets and lines, pollution and habitat destruction. However, these iconic megafauna species are also major drawcards for wildlife tourism industries, providing an incentive for the protection of the animals and their natural habitats through the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the restriction of harvesting or trade.
In this first study, the Marine Megafauna Foundation used data from 478 tourist expenditure surveys, 15 stakeholder surveys and yearly diver statistics provided by coastal tour operators to estimate the economic impact of manta ray tourism in Mozambique’s Inhambane Province. Manta ray tours are estimated to be worth US$10.9 million per year in direct revenue to dive operators in the Inhambane Province, with an estimated direct economic impact (including associated tourism expenditures) of US$34 million annually. In the absence of manta ray tourism, between US$16.1 and 25.7 million would be lost to the region each year.
“The opportunity to interact with manta rays in their natural environment attracts tourists from all over the world to Mozambique, directly benefiting the local economy. This study demonstrates that in the long term conserving these gentle giants outweighs the one-time economic benefits of fishing them,” commented Stephanie Venables, manta ray scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. “Our ongoing research in the region has shown that manta ray populations are in considerable decline, however, through the implementation of well-designed and effectively managed Marine Protected Areas coupled with legislative protection, it is still possible to make a difference and save these iconic animals before it is too late.”
Mozambique’s coastline stretches for 2,470km and has six designated Marine Protected Areas to date. The Marine Megafauna Foundation is providing conservation strategies to local governments and community leaders to protect threatened marine megafauna species and the economic value of marine tourism. Since 2016, the organization has also been working with communities around Tofo Beach, a major tourist destination in the Inhambane Province, towards implementing a Locally Managed Marine Area.
The Marine Megafauna Foundation was created in 2009 to research, protect and conserve the populations of threatened marine megafauna around the world. ‘Megafauna’ are large marine species such as sharks, rays, marine mammals and sea turtles. For more information visit marinemegafauna.org.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
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Octopus OP-30
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The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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