Another day, but this one a little different. For the first time in two weeks our team is divided. Half the team joined Dive Komodo’s day boat to conduct manta surveys, while the other half stayed on shore to work in the classroom.
Amelia and Rafid were at sea today, with Batu Bolong their first survey site. No mantas here, but they did record one Napoleon wrasse.
Next it was on to Karang Makassar and Manta Point, where we hoped for better luck. The tide was falling today, and as we had discovered during our research expedition last week, it can be difficult to find mantas at this time. Today was no exception. No mantas recorded on this survey, but the team did record a whitetip reef shark and an eagle ray.
The final destination today was Tatawa Besar, a divesite whose name means “big smile”. Mantas and mobula rays have been recorded on this site in the past, but unfortunately not today. But the team were not too disappointed, with four blacktip reef sharks, two Napoleon wrasse, and four hawkbill turtles recored during the survey, as well as many other creatures great and small.
Blacktip reef shark at Tatawa Besar
This was not the only excitement for Amelia and Rafid, as today was their first chance to deliver a manta briefing to the divers before visiting Manta Point. Amelia and Rafid took it in turns to talk about manta ecology, how to distinguish manta species and genders underwater, and the manta ray code of conduct.
Giving your first manta briefing is a daunting experience for anyone. Amelia and Rafid had the added challenge of presenting in English, which is their second language. And as if that were not enough, one of their audience only spoke Spanish. Fortunately Amelia and Rafid were able to give their manta briefing in Spanish, with a little help from other guests onboard!
Amelia and Rafid present their first manta briefing
Back on shore, Retno and Tri were busy on the classroom, preparing materials for an educational visit to local schools later in the week, and working on data analysis exercises with the mentors. Another action packed day of learning and conservation!
