Ethical WickedManta Rays are one of the most fascinating creatures in the sea. Huge, graceful and intriguing. Very little is known about them – from their migratory patterns to their breeding.In the last year Andrea Marshall, founder of Marine Mega Fauna visited us and we are very proud to not sponsor her research but to actively participate in it! We are using Thailand as the first base of our research and then we will be undertaking a huge effort in Indonesia once we have established the most effective use of our data.
About Andrea’s work:
Our scientific work generally focuses on species-level population ecology and conservation biology, with considerable overlap between the two areas. Our major ongoing research programmes are focused on manta rays (Manta alfredi and M. birostris) These huge plankton-feeders congregate year-round in the highly-productive coastal waters along the southern Mozambican coast, presenting an ideal opportunity for research on these huge yet enigmatic species. Other research projects also examine some of the more unique and/or threatened species found in the area.
Successful conservation and management strategies requires good information. We are working in partnership with local communities, provincial and national government and other Mozambican conservation organisations to both protect threatened marine species, and to provide a sustainable future for the country.
Our major current focus is on achieving protected status for manta rays and whale sharks in Mozambique. Manta rays are still unsustainably fished in Inhambane province, and whale sharks are being entangled in nets. Both species appear to be in decline. To protect the species themselves, as well as the economic value of marine tourism, these vulnerable fishes need help. We are advising the government on the best ways to achieve long-lasting conservation success. Our data are also used to evaluate the international conservation status of these species (for example, the IUCN Red List assessment for manta rays).
We are also working to ensure that local communities derive a benefit from the healthy populations of marine animals present in the coastal waters of Mozambique. Whale sharks and manta rays are charismatic ambassadors for marine conservation, and we are using these species to promote local economic development through the creation of a sustainable marine tourism industry. To this end, we are also working with fishing communities to stop the poaching of endangered marine life, such as sea turtles, and to create alternatives to unsustainable activities like shark finning.
