Mozambique’s economy largely depends on fisheries and the tourism industry is a fast growing. The menace of over-exploitation and the increasing amount of foreign trawler vessels close to local fishing grounds show an urgent need for proper protection. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an increasingly popular conservation tool. The location of the MPA is ideally based on guidelines that balance between scientific (ecological) data and local community values. The goal of this study was to contribute to the very first step towards the increase of coastal protection in Zavora Bay, Inhambane. This research analysed biological biodiversity data of economically important predatory fish species because they control the food-web in a top-down manner and their removal can have strong repercussions on ecosystem functions. The research generated maps representing local and recreational fishing grounds. Managers can base their decisions about the possibilities and implementation of a new locally managed marine area (LMMA) on the fundamental scientific material provided and can use the maps as a tool to communicate decisions and possible consequences thereof to the local community. Further, a critical review on the used methods is provided and accompanied by suggestions for future research.
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