A Preliminary Assessment of Coral Bleaching in Mozambique

Abstract

The 1997-1998 El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO) caused elevated sea temperatures that resulted in global coral bleaching. Coral reefs constitute an important biological resource in terms of their complex biodiversity and are the basis for tropical reef fisheries and marine ecotourism. They represent one of Mozambique's main coastal assets and its coastal communities and growing tourism industry rely mainly on reef-based resources. Mozambican artisanal fisheries are largely centred on reefs and are responsible for about 70% of the total catch, highlighting their importance. Most tourism similarly occurs along the coast where the best infrastructure is established, especially near the coral reefs of Pemba, Mozambique Island, the Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhaca Island and Ponta do Ouro....