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Conservation Science
Remote sensing in Mozambique
The Coastal East Africa program at WWF recently purchased high resolution satellite imagery of the marine zone of Quirimbas National Park. These stunning images capture the vibrant coral reef and mangrove ecosystems of coastal Mozambique and can detect fringing reefs, sand channels, seagrass beds, shallow lagoons between the archipelago's islands and sometimes, even large fish.
Top: mangroves in Quirimbas National Park
Bottom: a satellite view of the same area.
© WWF
WWF is now manipulating the data to create the marine equivalent to topographic and land cover maps for underwater features. This will help local scientists know what habitats are where, and ultimately improve management of these delicate ecosystems - in the same way that maps are used to zone protected areas on land all around the world.
A recent excursion to Ibo Island – located within Quirimbas National Park – provided the first on-the-ground look at the island’s expansive lagoon ecosystem. This makes it possible to create a link between the features in the satellite imagery to what exists underwater. The pattern of habitats will ultimately affect patterns of marine species, and map products can guide the delineation of certain natural resource uses within the park.
WWF and a team of scientists and local fishermen are monitoring the impacts of the recent delineation of a fishing sanctuary to assess changes in fish populations, as well as the effects on the local community. The hypothesis is that creating no-fishing zones provides a nursery for fish to spawn, grow and eventually migrate outside the boundary, improving overall productivity as well as fish catches. This will benefit the community through improved economic activity and food security while providing a sustainable resource for the future.
Local fishermen emptying their traps
© WWF/Aurelie Shapiro
The fishing sanctuary in Ibo is already seeing positive results, as evident by the enthusiasm and dedication of the local staff and community fisherman who assist with the monitoring. Maps produced from the satellite images are just the type of data needed to further support detailed monitoring, assess habitat types in and outside sanctuaries, and determine the underlying habitat patterns within the Quirimbas National Park.
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