New strandings of True’s beaked whale, Mesoplodon mirus, in Mozambique and their destiny as marine bushmeat

Abstract

True’s beaked whales have a uniquely fragmented distribution of sightings recorded, mostly from stranding reports. The species is assumed to be associated with deep oceanic waters, occurring in both the northern and southern hemispheres. A hotspot for strandings in the southern hemisphere is South Africa. The third and fourth reported stranding of True’s beaked whales for Mozambique is presented, and the first for Tofo Beach, Inhambane Province. This stranding event resulted in the carcasses being butchered and the bushmeat taken for human consumption. This report develops and discusses strategies for mitigation of future risk to public health from aquatic bushmeat consumption in Mozambique.