Maputo National Park, officially established in 2021, was created by merging the Maputo Special Reserve and Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve. Managed through a 15-year partnership between Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) and Peace Parks Foundation, the park protects one of the most biologically rich and endangered ecosystems in the region. 

The marine section of the park extends from South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the Maputo River Mouth, covering waters around KaNyaka and Portuguese islands and stretching 18 nautical miles into the Indian Ocean. Together with South Africa’s iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, it forms the Ponta do Ouro – Kosi Bay Transfrontier Conservation Area. 

This marine ecosystem includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds, mudflats, rocky shores, and coral reefs. These habitats support juvenile fish, shrimp, crabs, prawns, and a variety of marine species. Research has shown that the reefs in this transboundary area are among the healthiest along Africa’s east coast. 

Maputo Bay is crucial to Mozambique’s fisheries sector, supporting both small-scale artisanal fishers and larger, semi-industrial shrimp operations for export. However, unregulated fishing and increasing demand have led to stock depletion, particularly in the shrimp industry. 

To address this, the Marine Protected Area within Maputo National Park enforces catch limits, sustainable fishing techniques, and community engagement. Community Fishing Councils in Machangulo, Santa Maria, Mabuluku, and KaNyaka regulate fishing activities, enforce “no-take” zones, and promote responsible practices. 

Alternative livelihoods such as mussel farming are encouraged. In 2023, 412 kg of mussels were harvested and sold for USD 3,230, offering a sustainable income source. 

A six-year grant from the Blue Action Fund, funded by the Green Climate Fund, supports conservation and climate adaptation. In 2023, Eden Reforestation planted 780,740 mangrove propagules over 42.4 hectares, restoring vital coastal habitats. The University of Eduardo Mondlane research seagrass rehabilitation, while Centro Terra Viva monitors marine ecosystems and artisanal fishing. 

With over two-thirds of the world’s fisheries overexploited, World Fisheries Day highlights the need for sustainable management. Peace Parks Foundation acknowledges the Government of Mozambique and partners for their role in preserving Maputo National Park’s biodiversity and livelihoods for future generations.

Fisheries for the future - Peace Parks Foundation

For more information, please contact: Lésa van Rooyen on Lvanrooyen[at]peaceparks[dot]org