Today we had many activities that were interesting and certainly very useful for us. In the morning we had a class from MIP Alumni Dita, Vidlia, Gerald and Niomi.
First, Gerald explained to the MantaWatch Interns about the reasons that mantas are important. We learned that manta rays have ecological, cultural, and economic values. We also learned that mantas are listed under CITES Appendix II, and that they face many threats including fishing pressure, pollution, and predators. The Government of Indonesia has already banned manta fishing via Marine and Fisheries Ministerial Decree No. 4/ KepMen-KP/ 2014, but we wondered how this applies to fisheries that occasionally catch mantas as bycatch.
Class Session
Next Niomi gave a presentation about MantaWatch Surveys. We learned that there is limited data about manta rays, but that there is hope because anyone can participate in manta research using only a camera. Niomi explained that we can identify mantas by their ventral marking, and that we should also pay attention to dorsal markings, behaviour, scars and marks, gender and signs of pregnancy.
Andy explained about advanced manta survey techniques, including formations of the divers, underwater communication, and keeping organized. After the class had finished, Andy gave each of us a camera to use during the internship program, to record our mantas but also to record all our experiences. Andy explained how to use the camera properly, and gave us some tips and tricks to get great manta photos.
Next, Vidlia asked the Interns and the Mentors to write down our goals for the internship program. We wrote our personal, professional and MantaWatch goals on coloured paper and put these on the classroom wall to remind us over the coming weeks.
After lunch, we returned to the classroom for a briefing from our dive instructor Rian, and then we set sail for Sture Island, just 10 minutes from Labuan Bajo. Here we did our first deep dive, descending to 26 m.
Finally is was time to return to our lodgings, and prepare for the next day’s activities. I had a lot of new knowledge and experiences today, and it makes me happy!
Get Ready for Diving
View of Labuan Bajo
