Citizen Science Reveals a Hidden Map of Sharks and Rays in Mozambique

Researchers verified 408 citizen-science observations from 2007–2025 and mapped 44 shark and ray species in Mozambique.

Most records came from southern coastal areas, especially around Inhambane and Maputo, revealing strong geographic clustering.

The observations overlapped with Important Shark and Ray Areas but were sparse inside Marine Protected Areas.

The findings suggest public wildlife sightings can help close major data gaps and guide conservation for threatened elasmobranchs.