The Maldives is one of
the best places in the world to dive or snorkel with manta rays, the population
density here appears to be one of the highest anywhere throughout their range,
however, despite their relative abundance here almost nothing is known about
their life cycle, feeding habits, or migratory patterns. The Maldivian Manta
Ray Project (MMRP) was established in 2005 to try and learn more about the
life of a manta ray.
Photo
ID Database
All manta rays have a
unique pattern of spots and markings on the underside of their body making
it easy to identify individuals. Combining this pattern with tail length,
sex and pre-existing scars helps to further confirm the mantas identity and
enables us to build a photographic database of individuals. From this database,
which includes all sighting history for individuals and the location, we are
able to begin to build an understanding of
Tagging
and Tracking
We are also using active
tracking devices to study short term localised movements of identified individual
manta rays. Specifically we are hoping to track their movements between feeding
and cleaning grounds to try and establish patterns and factors that influence
this. On a wider scale, we will be deploying more archival satellite tags
in the hope of following the migratory paths taken by our individuals throughout
the changing monsoons.
Behavioural Research
As well as movements,
MMRP is also studying behavioural aspects of the manta rays life cycle. It
appears that there are defined breeding and mating seasons within the Maldives
with increased observations of pregnant females at certain sites and times
of the year followed by courtship and mating soon after. Very little is known
about the reproductive cycle of manta ray, and it is hoped from these observations
that we can contribute to the global knowledge. It is important to also understand
if the use of manta habitat by humans has any negative impact on the mantas
behaviour. For example, it is frequently observed that divers sitting directly
on top of manta cleaning stations deters the manta ray from approaching and
stops this necessary activity.
We believe that manta
rays and those looking to encounter them in their environment can both benefit
from this experience; the manta is a very social and curious animal. Responsible
diving is the key to making this interaction enjoyable for all concerned and
it is through conservation, education and research that MMRP hopes to raise
this awareness.
In addition to this we
are collaborating with manta ray researchers worldwide to study the Maldivian
manta rays in relation to other populations around the world. DNA samples
are taken to determine how genetically isolated the Maldivian population is,
indicating whether there is a resident Maldivian population or if they migrate
further away.
seasonal migrations,
localised daily movements, population size and cleaning and feeding behaviour.
Updating and adding to this database is an ongoing task with new individuals
being sighted on a regular basis, a clear photograph of the mantas underside
is sufficient to confirm an existing or new identity and this is easily achieved
when mantas congregate at cleaning stations. We welcome any photographs taken
by divers who would like to contribute to the growth of our database.
Individual
mantas' branchial marking
Archival
satellite tag
A
researcher deploying an archival satellite tag
A diver watches
as a manta visits a cleaning station
Artificial
coral reef trays
Click
here to read about other marine research & conservation initiatives
at the Four Seasons Maldives
Sponsors
Log In
For details of our research to date our manta ray sponsors can
log in here for more information.
Sample
ID Database
Manta
73 (Piggy)
Manta
104 (Flossy)
Click
on either of the two mantas above to view their individual profiles
and follow their lives.
Conservation
Initiatives at Four Seasons
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