Emmyllen Burine

Emmyllen Burine

Research Fellow – Mozambique

Overview

Emmyllen Kashiwa Burine is a marine biologist and Research Fellow at the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) in Mozambique. Her work focuses on the ecology and conservation of the ocean giants along the southern Mozambican coast. She contributes to the collection, management, and analysis of marine megafauna data to support research and conservation efforts.

In addition to her research activities, Emmyllen is interested in community-based conservation and the role of local communities in protecting marine ecosystems. She has participated in environmental education initiatives, mangrove restoration activities, and community engagement programs that promote ocean awareness and sustainable use of marine resources.

Her research interests include marine megafauna distribution, the effects of climate change on marine species, and the application of molecular techniques such as eDNA and DNA barcoding to biodiversity conservation. She is particularly interested in understanding how environmental changes influence the distribution and aggregation of marine megafauna in Mozambique.

Education

MSc in Applied Marine Sciences (ongoing)
Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique

2025 BSc in Marine Biology
Eduardo Mondlane University, School of Marine and Coastal Science, Quelimane, Mozambique

Biography

Originally from Mozambique, specifically Maputo City, Emmyllen developed an interest in marine life and ocean conservation through her studies in marine biology. During her undergraduate degree, she gained experience in marine ecological research, data analysis, and fieldwork, which strengthened her commitment to understanding and protecting marine biodiversity.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Marine Sciences while working with MMF in southern Mozambique. Through her research and involvement in conservation initiatives, she hopes to contribute to scientific knowledge, strengthen local conservation efforts, and support the long-term protection of Mozambique’s marine ecosystems.

Our work in Mozambique

Mozambique is where MMF began, in 2003, and where most of our team works today. Alongside long-term research on whale sharks, manta rays and other threatened species, two flagship programs take conservation into coastal communities: Sustainable Seas, where 90 local Ocean Ambassadors help fishing communities look after their own waters, and Ocean Guardians, a UNESCO-recognized program with more than 8,000 graduates from its conservation classes and swim school since 2012.Explore our work in Mozambique →

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