The research centre, based in Tofo, is run by Simon Pierce and Andrea Marshall.
Andrea has been studying Manta's in Mozambique since 2003, while Simon has been based in Mozambique since 2005 and is studying whale sharks in Tofo.

The Tofo Beach area is a major centre of abundance for both manta rays and whale sharks, with year-round populations of both species. The local marine tourism industry is currently undergoing rapid expansion as  international dive tourists are becoming aware of the consistent sighting rates in the area. This has lead to stakeholders from the tourism and dive industry sponsoring our research program to ensure the long-term sustainability of the area's marine life.

Population Ecology of Whale Sharks
Southern Mozambican waters contain a consistently high density of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). This study aims to provide data on the population structure, migration patterns and conservation of these threatened sharks.

Population Ecology of Manta Rays
The manta ray (Manta birostris) population around Tofo Beach is the largest currently known in the world. This study aims to define population structure and size, identify critical habitats and obtain basic biological and ecological data on these gigantic rays.

Conservation
Despite being the focus of major international tourism industries, populations of both mantas and whale sharks have been decimated by fisheries in many countries. Few scientific studies have examined these gigantic fish and little of the information necessary for successful conservation efforts is  available. Research at the centre targets these information gaps to provide data on the population ecology and conservation biology of these threatened species.

visit the site at http://mozmarinescience.googlepages.com/