On November 6, 2012 the government of Mozambique announced the creation of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago Marine Reserve. At over 10,411 km², it is the largest marine protected area in Africa, and protects important marine and coastal habitats, including the most robust and diverse coral community in Mozambique, as well as mangroves, deep underwater canyons, and large seagrass beds. The timing of the designation as an MPA is appropriate, as all fishing activity within the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago has shown signs of overexploitation.
