The Quirimbas Islands is an archipelago of 34 islands and lies in the Indian Ocean off northeastern Mozambique close to Pemba, the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado. Originally home to fishing settlements, the islands’ population grew around Arab trading posts and thrived under Portuguese trading routes. The Quirimbas Islands are known for their having one of the largest biodiversity of coral reef species in the Indian Ocean, as well as several other species of yellowfin tuna, manta rays, whale sharks and Hawksbill sea turtles. Over several years the effects from climate change have bleached a large amount of the coral in this area. But the establishment of the Quirimbas National Park and the Vamizi Community Sanctuary have already demonstrated improved coral health – a gleam of hope!
