Marine species; Dugongs, in Mozambique are found in Maputo and Inhambane Bays with the largest population in Eastern Africa found in Bazaruto Bay (Guissamulo 1993, Muir et al. 2004). However, recent observations indicate that Bazaruto Bay dugong population is declining due to over-fishing in the main channels (Muir et al. 2004).
Dolphins, whales and seals A total of seven species of dolphins inhabit the littoral waters off Mozambique. The most common species in inshore waters are Indo-pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins (Muir et al. 2004). From the seven species of whales recorded in Mozambican waters, Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) are common waters.
Mozambique hosts five species of marine turtle including the green (Chelonia mydas), olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) (Louro et al. 2006, Costa et al. 2007).
Endangered species are depleted by destructive and non-selective fishing gears, for example bottom trawls, beach seining entanglements in gillnets (Guissamulo and Cockcroft 1997) and this causes destruction of ecosystems that support them. Marine mammals are also vulnerable to the destruction of habitat, accidental and intentional catches and pollution (Guissamulo 1993). Little is known about the extent of marine mammal bycatch in Mozambique.