Welcome to Ponta Malongane – the whales’ stage

The idyllic waters along this stretch of Mozambique’s coastline are frequented by majestic whales during the months of July to December. Entrancing all who are lucky enough to glimpse them, with their songs and acrobatics, they migrate from polar to tropical waters in search of food and the best conditions for reproduction. A video of frolicking whales was taken off the coast of Ponta Malongane recently by Bruno Pedro.

WATCH HERE: https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-fnS_nAO7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

We are proud that humpback whales prefer the southern Africa reef coast to give birth, an indication that they find the habitat to be safe and clean. Ponta Malongane beach is part of Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR), which constitutes an important migration corridor, feeding habitat and safe haven for a variety of marine fauna and flora – from a myriad of tropical fish, humpback whales, endangered sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs, manta ray, tiger and bull sharks and even seagrass beds and a reef kaleidoscope of coral.

To protect this exuberant natural heritage, PPMR has a team of well-trained and equipped rangers to monitor coastal areas in order to prevent harmful fishing practices. On the other hand, the reserve supports the Community Fisheries Councils in the adoption of sustainable fishing practices and has been providing alternative means of subsistence for the fishermen with programs such tilapia and mussel farming.

Efforts such as these, implemented by various organisations around the world, has contributed to preserving marine ecosystems. One rewarding outcome from this is a steady growth of the world population of humpback whales, with all but one subpopulation moving from Vulnerable to Least Concern, meaning it is at low risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List for endangered species.

PPMR, together with Maputo Special Reserve, are co-managed by Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation, which provides technical and financial support for the development of conservation and tourism activities.

Do your bit! Adopting sustainable fishing techniques, purchase sustainably harvested fish, don’t litter on beaches, and recycle to reduce global waste!