© 2005 Jon Hanson

Manta rays are one of the ocean’s most charismatic and recognisable creatures. Yet future generations may only be able to view these creatures through archived video footage.

Manta rays populations, like other members of the shark family, have declined dramatically due to over-fishing around the world. Members of this group – the elasmobranchs – are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation due to their slow growth rates, delayed ages of sexual maturity, long gestation periods, and small numbers of young.

There is almost no published scientific data detailing manta ray ecology, population biology, behaviour or reproductive biology. Without this information predicting the impact of fisheries and developing appropriate management plans is practically impossible.

Conservation and management initiatives are inhibited by this lack of information, placing global manta populations at great risk. The Word Conservation Union (IUCN) lists manta rays as Near Threatened, but notes that the threat posed by fisheries could be severely underestimated due to limited scientific data. Some of the greatest threats come from targeted fisheries which occur in Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico, and have the potential to decimate local populations.

Some of the best information about manta rays has been collected by dedicated divers and snorkelers around the world. From these studies we know that in some regions mantas are resident and the same individuals are seen year round (Yap, Bora Bora, Hawaii, and Indonesia) whereas in other places mantas are seasonal and appear to migrate (Australia, Mexico, Ecuador, and South of Japan). Where they migrate to remains a mystery.

Unfortunately, much of the information from monitoring and photo ID programs around the globe remains unpublished, and many studies have not been conducted in a scientifically rigorous fashion.

MantaWatch was established to provide a bring isolated research programs and individuals around the world together. MantaWatch provides a home where this community can:

• Discuss ideas and approaches for manta conservation.
• Share manta conservation success stories.
• Contribute to monitoring manta populations by uploading to our photo ID database, and supporting researchers and policy makers.

Tell us  your opinions in the comments below. Are you concerned about the plight of the world’s oceans? Are you working to conserve mantas or other species in your region? Or do you have ideas or suggestions to make MantaWatch a more valuable resource? We’d love to hear in the comments.