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.
The first stage of this study begin in Mozambique earlier this year when two giant mantas were tagged during the filming of “Manta Queen”, a BBC documentary on Andrea‟s research.
The initial tagging efforts in Mozambique were a success. The movements of the second manta tagged (Magellen) resulted in the longest track of a manta ray in the Indian Ocean and supported initial speculation that this species both dives deep and travels great distances in search of food.
For the full details of these tracks and footage of the tagging, stay tuned for the documentary due out in November as part of the BBC Natural World series.
Just saw the Natural World programme on the BBC last night. Inspirational stuff. Having seen Mantas close up in the Maldives myself, I’d hate to see them go the way of the dodo. Good luck with your conservation efforts!
Comment by JONATHAN WILSON — 13 November 2009 @ 14:35
Thanks so much for your kind words and your support, it really means a lot to me and my research team. I am so glad that you watched and enjoyed the film.
Comment by Dr. Andrea Marshall — 13 November 2009 @ 18:48
I’ve just caught up with this programme on the web having missed it on the BBC.
I too would like to add my best wishes to you with your conservation efforts. I took up diving to see manta’s but have yet to achieve that ambition despite diving in the Maldives in March this year! I’ll see them one day though I hope.
In the mean time is there anything I and/or other divers can do to help?
Comment by Mark Swayne — 16 November 2009 @ 19:07
Thanks for your lovely comments and your support. Really appreciate how the public has rallied behind our efforts. Save Our Seas is busy compiling a list at the moment based on my recommendations about how the public can get more involved in the effort to learn more about and protect both species of mantas globally. This information should be available on the site very shortly! Cheers for wanting to get involved!
Comment by Dr. Andrea Marshall — 16 November 2009 @ 22:00
just saw some scenes of the doc on the internet, …unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to see the whole film.
But I was very impressed by the scene where you are diving with a rebreather and the giant mantaray checks you out. These interactions between animals and humans are magical moments. And for me they tell more about the animals (and of course about the human being) than any scientific data we, …or better you can collect and analyse. The scene shows two creatures meeting with the same conscience, …curious, trust- and respectful. …. we all should work more on that! Bravo, my compliments.
probably you came across my video of mating mantarays???
if not have a look at: http://www.underwatercam.tv/video_stock_footage.php?hkt=10
Best, peter schneider
Comment by peter schneider — 29 November 2009 @ 19:15
Yesterday, i saw the Natural World programme.
Very impressive shots, and learned some new things about manta’s.
Why is it that mozambique goverment won’t agree of protecting this wonders of the sea….
Economics … ?? Hope not…
Keep up the good work.
Comment by Dennis Spoelstra — 11 January 2010 @ 22:01
We are working with representatives of the Mozambican government and other NGO’s in the country to try and figure out the way forward. Marine conservation is essential and time is of the essence. It is not always on the top of their priority list but helping them to understand that conservation can also go hand and hand with the creation of sustainable tourism industries is the first step. Tourism helps to bolster their world image and also generates employment for Mozambicans. Only time will tell if they have the foresight to protect what could be one of their most valuable natural resources.
Comment by Dr. Andrea Marshall — 14 January 2010 @ 21:33