Today marks the start of Manta Month in Komodo, and the first day of our 2013 MantaWatch Internship Program.
In my opinion, Manta Month is one of the best times of the year to dive with manta rays in Komodo National Park. The mating season is just beginning, and mantas that have been widely dispersed throughout the surrounding waters begin to congregate. It is not unusual to see a single female being pursued by a train of 10, 15 or even 20 males! This is the perfect time to continue our long-term monitoring of this manta population, and to provide critical data that will assist the district government to continue development of West Manggarai and Komodo manta ray sanctuary.
This year I am extremely happy to welcome four MantaWatch Interns to our team: Ranny Yuneni from the Department of Marine Science, Diponegoro University; Reiza Zamzami and Satria Afnan from the Department of Fisheries, Bogor Agricultural University, and Vidlia Rosady from the Faculty of Marine Science, Padjadjaran University.
Riza, Elitza, Satria, Vidlia and Ranny (L to R)
These four exceptional students were selected from over 50 applicants to receive a Guy Joseph MantaWatch Award and a place on this year’s internship program. Over the next four weeks Ranny, Reiza, Satria and Vidlia will receive academic training in manta ecology, develop practical manta research and conservation skills, and gain an insight into the manta ray tourism industry.
Earlier this year manta rays were listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. As of today countries around the world have exactly 12 months to put in place the measures that will allow effective control of the international trade of manta rays, and contribute to the sustainability of this majestic species. Indonesia, amidst growing awareness of their immense value, is already taking bold steps to protect manta rays in some locations.
It is my hope that the MantaWatch Internship Program will equip Ranny, Reiza, Satria and Vidlia with the skills, knowledge and experiences that will help them to expand these efforts as Indonesia’s young marine leaders and manta ambassadors.
First day, already working hard!
Today we began with an introduction to the program’s conservation, professional and personal goals, and a reminder that critical thinking is an essential skill for any marine scientist. In the afternoon Elitza Germanov, MantaWatch’s Regional Coordinator and Dive Safety Officer, led a check dive where everyone demonstrated exceptional diving skills.
A busy and action packed first day, and already we’ve had at least one new experience–Vidlia made her first backward roll entry from a dive boat! But perhaps most importantly, today is the beginning of new friendships, and the welcoming of new faces to the MantaWatch family! I have a feeling this is going to be a great 2013 Internship Program.
