Community Fishery Revolution: In the Quirimbas National Park

Maputo, Mozambique – Amazing conservation records, inspiring community commitment and leadership, great scientific results and other facts worthy recording is how one can describe the work being carried out in the marine area of the Quirimbas National Park (QNP).

As a reflex of the positive impacts of the Total Marine Protected Zones (TMPZ) of Ibo, Matemo, Quilalea and Sencar Islands, a new TMPZ has been proposed by the local community in Zala Bank, within QNP and Jimpia, outside the park, in the Pemba Bay.

A 2.25 km2 area in Zala Bank, with unique and untouched coral reefs, was proposed by the communities of Nambo, Mussano and Numama for the establishment of a TMPZ as a result of the fish scarcity that is strongly affecting them. Formerly, this area was known for its greatness in terms of quantity and diversity of fish, but due to unregulated fishing activities (including the use of damaging fishing techniques) in recent years (after the park being gazette), marine resources have simple been overexploited and almost nothing was left; only small sized butterfly-fishes are found around the bank.

“Considering the great conditions of coral reefs in this area, it’s almost unacceptable that there’s no fish in abundance there…this means that, if proper fishing alternatives are introduced and the community commits itself in the management of the TMPZ, we might be surprised in a very near future”, said Alice Costa, a WWF Mozambique Marine Biologist, responsible for the establishment of other TMPZ in the QNP.

Currently, after preliminary studies have been carried out, the Park and the Fisheries Authorities are assessing all relevant aspects necessary for the establishment of the Zala bank TMPZ. Curiously, another request, but this time from outside the park, has reached the park offices; it’s the case of the Jimpia community fishermen, which is interested in establishing a close area around the Pemba Bay. This request comes as result of the experience exchange done recently between these fishermen and those from Ibo and Matemo Islands.

The QNP authorities are giving all necessary support to the fishermen of the Jimpia Bank, towards the establishment of the TMPZ.

Note:
The Zala Bank is located in the northern region of the Quirimbas National Park; almost 2km down to the Rolas Island.