The Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna has begun a worldwide study on the behaviour and migratory patterns of the newly-described giant manta ray (Manta birostris). Initial observations suggest that this species may be more migratory and oceanic than its smaller relative, the reef manta (Manta alfredi), which is typically resident to coastlines or island groups. To determine if the giants indeed travel great distances across oceans or along coastlines, Dr. Andrea Marshall, Dr. Simon Pierce and colleague Dr. Juerg Brunnschweiler sourced funding from the Save Our Seas Foundation to begin a worldwide study on their movement patterns. They hope to travel to several locations across the globe, teaming up with other local researchers or dive operators along the way.
21 August 2009
Worldwide manta ray satellite tagging study
Brazilian Manta Mystery
Seasonal reports of giant manta rays from the small island of Laje de Santos off Brazil have led to an annual migration of scuba divers to the area to view these amazing creatures. There are no regular sightings of this species from anywhere else along the long Brazilian coastline, which leads to some intriguing questions: where do the mantas come from, and where they go when they leave this small marine protected area?
Deep Diving Mantas
Have you ever wondered how a manta ray spends it days? Scientists and divers only get a glimpse into these elusive animal’s lives when they encounter them at cleaning stations on shallow reefs. Despite increased research efforts in the last decade, scientists still know very little about the habits or daily routine of the world’s largest ray. In an effort to change all of this, researchers are now using cutting edge technology to uncover where these gentle giant’s go when they leave shallow coastal areas.
