About MAR
Manta Rays
Manta research aims to generate knowledge of the region’s manta ray populations and assist with their conservation in southern Mozambique.
Nudibranchs
Zavora Marine Lab is conducting the first assessment of nudipleura in Mozambique: solving a complex of species problems and describing new species.
whales
Humpback whales come to Zavora each year to reproduce and give birth. Land-based surveys and fluke ID help provide estimates of humpback populations travelling through the region.
Artificial Reefs
Of the 2 wrecks in Zavora, the newly sunken Rio Sainas [2013] provided an excellent opportunity to monitor the colonization of an artificial reef right from ground zero.
Seahorses
Together with iSeahorse, MAR aims to assess and monitor seahorse populations, trends, and threats in the Inhambane region.
Sharks
Visual surveys and baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs) are helping to collect baseline data on the elasmobranch species in the region.
Turtles
Five of the seven sea turtle species can be found in Mozambique. In Zavora, we commonly see 4 of these on our reefs, two of which are known to nest on our beaches.
About the Zavora Marine Lab
The Zavora Marine Lab was founded in 2009 by marine biologist Yara Tibirica to investigate and conserve the unique marine life and coastal ecosystems of Zavora Bay. Zavora is one of the last places in Mozambique where manta rays and other marine megafauna species can be found in high abundance. Marine Action Research offers the unique opportunity to study a marine ecosystem with little human impact and where much of the reef is still yet to be explored. The lab's ongoing research is focused on manta rays, sharks, humpback whales, nudibranchs, seahorses, and artificial reef (wreck) colonization.
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Research mentorship
Limited group size allows for quality one-on-one guidance with a trained marine biologist during your internship or university project.
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Competitive fees
Internship fee includes accommodation (self catering), all research dives (gear included), airport transfers, field trips, and theoretical and practical training.
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Scuba diving
Mozambique has some of the best diving in the world. Expect to see manta rays, sharks, stingrays, whales, dolphins, and an astonishing diversity of macrolife
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Community environment
Interns live together, work together and develop lasting friendships
The MAR Team

Nakia Cullain

Mornay Delport

Yara Tibirica
