Manta Ray Migratory Patterns
Project Leader: Andrea Marshall
This collaborative study will focus on one of the newly identified species of Manta, Manta species B. Personal observations and a comprehensive analysis of their known distribution around the globe have indicated that this species may be more of an oceanic wanderer than the smaller Manta species (Manta species A) which is commonly encountered inshore. Most known aggregation sites for Manta species B are seasonal and their sightings are sporadic. This year we are spearheading a study to determine if this species is indeed highly migratory, as initially suspected, or if they simply have different habitat usage than other manta species (i.e. are using off-shore habitats where they are not often viewed). In an attempt to get the clearest and broadest view of their movement patterns, individual Manta species B will be satellite tagged at six major aggregation sites around the globe. Data from this study will give us a preliminary idea of where and how far these individuals travel. As this species is the target of most of the documented manta ray fisheries worldwide, it is important to establish the migratory habits of Manta species B if we are to manage populations effectively in the future.
This project is a massive collaborative effort. I am excited and privileged to be working with a wonderful group of researchers and naturalists across the globe. At this stage, I intend to place tags on manta rays in Brazil, Mozambique, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand. Other collaborations/locations we are looking into are the Red Sea or Australia. The researchers or dive operators in these locations are already on board as collaborators and will offer their assistance in their respective field locations. Tagging will begin in Mozambique in early November 2008 where four satellite tags will be applied to individuals during the filming of a one-hour documentary for the BBC’s Natural World series. It is our hope that this feature documentary and the ensuing worldwide study will generate massive public interest and raise the awareness of the precarious conservation status of this largest Manta species.
This project is a massive collaborative effort. I am excited and privileged to be working with a wonderful group of researchers and naturalists across the globe. At this stage, I intend to place tags on manta rays in Brazil, Mozambique, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand. Other collaborations/locations we are looking into are the Red Sea or Australia. The researchers or dive operators in these locations are already on board as collaborators and will offer their assistance in their respective field locations. Tagging will begin in Mozambique in early November 2008 where four satellite tags will be applied to individuals during the filming of a one-hour documentary for the BBC’s Natural World series. It is our hope that this feature documentary and the ensuing worldwide study will generate massive public interest and raise the awareness of the precarious conservation status of this largest Manta species.
Aims & objectives
- To ascertain through satellite telemetry, the range & migration habits of Manta species B at various aggregation sites around the world.
- To use photographic databases from various regions to supplement the information collected by satellite tags.
- To examine the relatedness of manta species B in all examined regions using genetic analysis from collected tissue samples.
- To create an interactive map to monitor and reveal the Manta ray tracks across the globe.
- To disseminate findings at the Indo-Pacific fish conference in Perth, Australia in May 2009 and the American Elasmobranch society’s annual meeting in 2010.
- To create educational pod cast & video’s about the projects finding.