Citizen Photos Reveal Shark & Ray Threats in Mozambique

Citizen science is transforming how marine life is documented in Mozambique, a biologically rich but historically under-studied region. Platforms like iNaturalist allow individuals to upload photos of sharks and rays, creating a valuable scientific record.

Researchers analyzed 408 citizen observations from 2007 to 2025, identifying 44 elasmobranch species. Rays were dominant, with notable shark families also appearing. While some species were common, others appeared rarely, offering rare insights.

The data, while influenced by human activity and accessibility, strongly aligned with Important Shark and Ray Areas. However, it also revealed a significant mismatch, with only a small portion of observations falling within Marine Protected Areas.

Alarmingly, 71 percent of all observed species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List. The dataset's reliability is high, with 82 percent of observations classified as research grade, demonstrating the value of these complementary tools for conservation efforts.

This initiative highlights that biodiversity monitoring is no longer limited to research vessels. It is happening daily through photos and logs, contributing vital pieces to understanding and protecting ocean life in data-limited regions like Mozambique.