Protecting the Rays
Jasmine Corbett from the Manta Trust talks about conservation through research, education and collaboration
At the Manta Trust, we are dedicated to the research and conservation of manta rays and their habitats around the world. While our core team comprises scientists and marine biologists, one of the key pillars of our success lies in engaging with the public through citizen science. This approach not only amplifies the scope of our research but also empowers ocean enthusiasts to contribute directly to the protection of these gentle giants.
Manta rays are elusive creatures that travel vast distances across oceans. Monitoring their populations, behaviours, and migration routes requires extensive resources and global coverage. This is where citizen science comes in. By enlisting the help of divers and snorkellers on dive boats and yachts, we can gather invaluable data that would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to collect.
In essence, citizen science allows anyone with a passion for the ocean to become a vital part of manta ray conservation. Whether you’re an experienced diver with hundreds of logged dives or a novice snorkeller with a go pro in hand, your observations can help us track manta ray movements, identify individuals, and monitor changes in their habitats.
Our flagship citizen science initiative is the global Mantabase Photo-ID Database, a project that collates photographs of manta rays from around the world. Manta rays have unique spot patterns on their bellies, much like a human fingerprint, which allows us to identify and catalogue individuals over time. By simply sending us photos of manta rays that you’ve encountered, alongside your encounter details, you can contribute to this global database and help us build a clearer picture of their lives.
Over the years, this approach has led to some remarkable discoveries. In fact, many of our long-term manta ray monitoring sites were established thanks to photo-ID data submitted by citizen scientists.
From the Maldives to Mexico, and from Indonesia to Fiji, these photos have helped us track individual rays for decades, offering invaluable insights into their movements, site fidelity, and population trends.
For those in the superyacht community, the opportunities to contribute are even greater. Many of you travel to remote and pristine locations where manta rays are frequently spotted but seldom studied. Whether you’re cruising in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, or the South Pacific, your voyages often take you to areas that are rich in marine life but far from established research centres.
By participating in our citizen science programmes, you and your guests can make meaningful contributions to manta ray conservation while enjoying the beauty of these incredible creatures. We encourage superyacht owners, crews, and guests to photograph any manta rays they encounter and share these images with us. Every submission adds a new piece to the puzzle, helping us to understand more about these enigmatic animals.
Citizen science isn’t just about gathering data; it’s also about education and fostering a sense of stewardship. By engaging with manta rays up close and contributing to their conservation, participants often develop a deeper connection to the marine environment. For many, the act of submitting photos or sighting reports becomes a gateway to further involvement in ocean conservation. It’s inspiring to see how individuals who start as contributors often go on to become advocates for marine protection.
Thanks to the support of our global network of citizen scientists, we have been able to build one of the world’s most comprehensive manta ray databases. But our work is far from over. As manta ray populations face increasing threats from habitat degradation, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices, the data we collect through citizen science remains critical to their protection.
So, whether you’re planning your next dive trip, cruising on your yacht, or simply visiting a coastal region, we invite you to become part of our citizen science community. By working together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the sight of manta rays gliding gracefully through our oceans.
For more information on how to get involved, visit mantatrust.org and help us make a difference, one photo at a time.
