FijiManta Ray Project

PHOTO © Stephen Pollett
Fiji Manta Ray Project
2015 Annual Report
Conservation through research, raising awareness and
providing education, influence and action.
Manta
T R U S T
- The Manta Trust
www.mantatrust.org
1
Executive Summary
Manta ray tourism globally is estimated
to generate US $140 million per annum,
and in Fiji manta tourism is valued at
US $1.59 million. Manta rays are one of
the must-see species for many people.
However, unsustainable fishing practices and a global trade in manta gill
plates threaten the survival of populations worldwide. The Fiji Manta Ray
Project (FMRP) aims to gain a detailed
understanding of the Fijian manta
population and the threats they face in
order to support informed and effective conservation management, for the
benefit of the Fijian nation. This report
PHOTO © Stephen Pollett
presents findings from the 2015 manta
season and identifies future research
and conservation needs.
FJ-MA-0068 barrel rolling through a concentrated patch of plankton in the deeper eastern end
of the Manta Channel.
The 2015 season (May to October) recorded a lower number of manta sightings (n=352) and individuals (n=30) in the
Yasawas compared to previous study years (2012-14). It also appears there was a shift in the seasonal sighting peak;
whilst sightings are usually highest in June or July, in 2015 the highest number of sightings occurred in September
(n=109). The inter-annual temporal variation in sightings may be linked to changes in environmental factors linked
to the 2015 El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Satellite monitoring of Chlorophyll a concentrations indicate that
primary productivity in the region was reduced when compared to previous study years, suggesting there may have
been less food available for the manta rays.
The number of tourists visiting the Manta Channel site in the Yasawa Islands continued to increase in 2015, now
exceeding 5,000 paying guests per season. Based on the average price of FJD 40 per person per trip, manta tourism
at this one site generated an estimated FJD 220,080 total revenue over 6 months. The project recorded the highest
number of people visiting the site in one single day (125 PAX) this year, which raises concerns about maximum capacity and possible overcrowding in the future.
A few highlights of 2015 were the discovery that 2 manta rays travelled almost 300 km from the Yasawas site, crossing open oceans on their journey to other island groups (Kadavu and Namena Marine Reserve). In the Yasawas, 8
new individuals were identified, including a very small juvenile possibly born during the season, increasing the Yasawa Islands database to 63 manta rays. In July 2015, the project also participated at the IUCN Pacific Island Species
Forum building new valuable relationships.
Future plans of the FMRP include (a) implementing and socialising a Marine Protected Area at the manta site in the
Yasawas; (b) conducting an acoustic tagging study during the 2016 season to understand fine-scale movement of
mantas; (c) securing funds for satellite tagging study to investigate migratory routes; (d) increasing outreach and education training for Fijians as research assistants and marine ambassadors; (e) achieving national protection for manta
and mobula rays across Fiji; (f) and beginning to collect data on mobula ray sightings.
www.mantatrust.org
2
PHOTO © Matt Hardy
Aerial photograph looking over the Yasawan Manta Channel south towards Barefoot Manta Island. A manta can be seen near the
surface at the bottom of the picture.
Table of Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................................4
Manta Population...................................................................................................................................................................5
Reproduction............................................................................................................................................................................7
Environmental Information................................................................................................................................................7
Tourism Statistics....................................................................................................................................................................9
Manta Migrations................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Remote Cameras.................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Project Outreach.................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Future Plans........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Acknowledgments & References.................................................................................................................................. 15
www.mantatrust.org
3
Introduction
Manta ray tourism is estimated to
generate US $140 million every year as
direct revenue to the global economy
(O’Malley et al., 2013). In Fiji, manta tourism was valued to be worth US $1.59
million in 2013 (O’Malley et al., 2013)
and this figure has likely increased over
the last 2 years. Manta rays are one of
the must-see species for many people,
however unsustainable fishing practices
and a growing global trade in manta gill
plates threaten the survival of manta
ray populations worldwide (Ward-Paige
et al., 2013; Heinrichs et al., 2014).
Further research and a concerted effort
for advancing national and international
protection is needed to effectively conserve these species.
The FMRP was founded in 2012 with
the aim to establish a long term study
of manta rays throughout Fiji: investigating the Fijian manta populations, their
PHOTO © Stephen Pollett
characteristics, migration and movement as well as understanding threats
faced by the species. The project seeks
The small female FJ-MA-0016 is often seen alone. In this instance she was seen barrel
rolling further away from the channel, East of Barefoot Manta Resort’s ‘Manta Beach’.
to mitigate potential negative impacts
from fishing or manta tourism and raise awareness for the need to protect these amazing creatures within the local
communities. It also aims to understand more about the black morph manta rays, a coloration found in a particular
high proportion of the Fijian reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) population.
Very little is known about manta rays around the South Pacific Islands. Further research into manta abundance and
connectivity between populations is needed to assess their vulnerability to environmental change. Manta rays can
be used as an indicator species to assess the effects of large scale environmental factors, such as climate change on
the marine environment. Over the last decade, global warming has caused marked changes in oceanic conditions,
including water temperature, current patterns, and acidification—all of which may have dramatic consequences for
mantas and the reefs on which they depend. Correlating data on manta distribution and movements with large-scale
oceanographic changes will help scientists monitor global oceanic health.
As tourism continues to grow in Fiji, sharks and rays are becoming big attractions for visitors. Due to the relatively
low abundance of mantas rays documented in Fiji, key manta aggregation sites are likely to become highly targeted
by operators and potentially overcrowded. The research of the FMRP aims to provide insight into the manta population’s ecology and migratory habits, and the effect of manta tourism that will support informed and effective management across Fiji and at key sites to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. This report presents the findings
from the FMRP’s 2015 season and identifies future research and conservation needs.
www.mantatrust.org
4
PHOTO © Stephen Pollett
Chevron morph FJ-MA-0010 or ‘Lady Grey’ is the largest manta seen at Manta Channel, Yasawas. The earliest identification photos the project has
of her are from 2007, in which she still has the same scarring on her lower half.
Manta Population
2015 marked the 3rd full season of the FMRP (4th year in operation), working in partnership with Barefoot Manta
Island resort in the Yasawa Islands. A total of 162 days were spent in the field monitoring the manta rays and manta
tourism activities in the Yasawa Islands.
The 2015 manta season, which runs from May to October, had a lower number of manta sightings (n=352) and
documented individuals (n=30) compared to previous years (Table 1). The chance for a successful sighting decreased from 80% in 2013 and 2014, to 68% in 2015. The number of individuals sighted on average each survey also
dropped from three in 2013/14, to two.
Interestingly, of the 352 total sightings in 2015, 66% were of just 8 individuals. Two of these 8 individuals (FJ-MA-0010
and FJ-MA-0013) were the most regularly sighted, with 59 and 42 sightings of each respectively. Over the past 3
years, these two manta rays were sighted more times than any other manta (131 and 181 times respectively).
Table 1. Reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) sightings at Manta Channel in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji during the manta seasons
(May through October) from 2013-2015.
No. of days
surveyed
No. of days
mantas present
Average no. mantas
/survey day
Total no.
individual mantas
Total no. manta
sightings
Most no.
ind./ survey
2013
141
112
2.90
40
410
13
2014
205
168
2.86
40
587
14
2015
162
110
2.17
30
352
14
Year
www.mantatrust.org
5
160
141
140
117
120
100
109
104
92
100
97
86
89
75
80
2013
66
53
60
2014
46
39
36
40
29
2015
17
20
0
0
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Month
Figure 1: Total number of reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) sightings per month (2013-2015) at Manta Channel during the manta season (May through October)
in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji.
Comparing sightings per month over the last three years, it appears the best time for manta watching, based on total
numbers sighted, has shifted in 2015 (Figure 1). In 2013, most sightings occurred at the start of the season peaking
in June (141 sightings) with a gradual decrease in sightings. The following year, sightings were also highest at the start
of the season, albeit a month delayed peaking in July (117 sightings), followed by a gradual decrease. In 2015 however, sightings were low throughout most of the season and then peaked in September (109 sightings) before decreasing rapidly again. The month of July was unusually quiet as mantas were only sighted 3 times in 16 days of surveying.
This scarcity of sightings is a pattern usually expected at the start and end of the season. The inter-annual temporal
variation in sightings may be linked to a number of environmental factors, such as wind strength, primary productivity and the ENSO that occurred in 2015 (discussed in more detail later in this report).
Females account for 60% of all sightings the project has documented, despite being fewer in number within the
Yasawan Manta Channel population (25 females versus 32 males), indicating a higher degree of site fidelity (Table
2). This stronger site fidelity by female manta rays has also been observed in other locations (Marshall et al., 2011;
Kitchen-Wheeler et al., 2012). Increase in sightings of males often occurred during periods when individuals were
observed engaging in reproductive behaviour, such as courtship trains, suggesting males and females have different
site use drivers. Despite the drop in sightings, 8 new individuals were identified and added to the database in 2015,
including a very small juvenile, most likely a new born young of the year. Each of these 8 new individuals were only
seen a few times. The Yasawas database now comprises a total of 63 individuals.
Table 2. Yasawa Islands’ reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) population demographics.
Total Mantas
63*
Males
Females
Juveniles
Black Morph
Chevron Morph (white)
Percent Re-sighted
32
25
5
34
29
79%
* One of unknown sex
www.mantatrust.org
6
Reproduction
The female manta, FJ-MA-0018, was observed pregnant in 2013. During 2014
she engaged in courtship behaviour
leading a mating train, and in 2015
she was observed pregnant again. A
small number of other individuals have
had pregnancies with this regularity.
However, the majority have never been
observed pregnant and the reasons for
these different strategies are unknown,
with size and maturity seemingly inconPHOTO © Ben Buchan
sequential: the largest and most sighted
female (FJ-MA-0010) has never been
observed pregnant.
A heavily pregnant FJ-MA-0018
The black colour morph female, FJ-MA-0018, gave birth in September 2015 and a new chevron colour morph juvenile
(FJ-MA-0103) was sighted on nine separate occasions after this event. In previous years, manta rays of this population have given birth but no new juveniles were sighted during the same season. This chevron juvenile would be the
first young of the same year sighted in the channel, albeit one cannot be sure that it is an offspring from the Manta
Channel population. Genetic studies will be able to identify whether these offspring are from mothers in the Yasawas
Manta Channel population, as well as assist in research on manta reproduction and colour morph variation.
Environmental Information
An ENSO event occurred around the Pacific in 2014 (Pacific ENSO update, 1st Quarter, 2015). The ENSO peaked in
August 2015, when its strength was similar to events in 1982-83 and 1997-98 (Pacific ENSO update, 4th Quarter,
2015 and 1st Quarter, 2016). The effects of this are higher than average sea surface temperatures and a reduction in
trade winds in Fiji (with occasional reverses in direction) along with severe rainfall, which the project recorded at the
Manta Channel site during the 2015 season.
As zooplankton grazers, manta rays are affected by these environmental changes primarily due to the impact it has
on their food source availability and distribution (Homma et al., 1999; Dewar et al., 2008; Luiz et al., 2009). Changes
in water temperature and wind speed can alter the location and intensity of phytoplankton blooms, which in turn
creates zooplankton blooms, and thus the abundance of the manta’s prey (Levington, 2001).
It is possible to monitor phytoplankton levels via satellites using levels of Chlorophyll a as an indicator. Satellite images from 2012-2015 show an increase in Chlorophyll a concentration along the reef between the Yasawas and the
mainland from March to May as the water cooled, and a decrease from September to November as the waters become warmer (Figure 2). As documented in other locations, such as Indonesia and the Maldives (Dewar et al., 2008;
Anderson et al., 2011), this increase in Chlorophyll a and primary productivity coincides with the peak manta season.
The phytoplankton bloom did not appear to have happened during 2015 in the Yasawas. Increased water temperatures across the region may have been the cause for this and the south easterly winds that normally affect the
Yasawas may have been disrupted, reducing the influx of plankton rich surface waters into the channel. These two
phenomenon combined could account for the lower manta sightings recorded during the first half of the season.
www.mantatrust.org
7
Figure 2: Satellite colour plots of mean monthly chlorophyll a concentrations across North West Fiji (obtained from NASA Giovanni 4 Project https://earthdata.nasa.gov/). The Barefoot Manta Channel is marked with the letter “A”. a. = December 2012; b. = May 2013; c. = December
2013; d. = May 2014; e. = December 2014; f. = May 2015.
www.mantatrust.org
8
PHOTO © Matt Hardy
The position of the Yasawan Manta Channel in Fiji. On the right is an aerial photograph of the Manta Channel with Naviti Island at the top of the photo.
Tourism Statistics
The number of tourists visiting the Manta Channel aggregation site in the Yasawa Islands continued to increase in
2015, with over 5,000 (5,502) paying guests, compared to 4,968 (2014) and 4,206 (2013) (Table 3). This may, in part,
be attributed to increased popularity of the Barefoot Manta Island resort and other recently established resorts that
are in the vicinity of the manta channel. Based on the average price of FJD 40 per person per trip, the manta tourism
at this one site (Manta Channel) generated an estimated FJD 220,080 total revenue in 2015 (Table 3). This represents
an increase of 1.5 in revenue over the course of two years (compared to FJD 147,210 generated in 2013). The revenue solely from resort manta trips will be supplemented by revenue generated when these guests pay for accommodation, food and transport. This source of finance, in both direct revenue and job creation, is extremely valuable to
the local Yasawans and reason alone to protect the manta rays and the site.
Table 3. Tourism data for all operators visiting Manta Channel in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji, during the manta seasons (May through October)
2013-2015.
Total no.
people
visited site
Total no.
Paying
Guests
Average
guests at
site / day
Average no.
Guests and
Guides
Total No.
Boats
Average
No. boats /
survey
Highest no. of
people in one
day
Total
revenue
(FJ$)*
2013
4995
4206
36
43
594
5
130 (115 guests)
$147,210
2014
5686
4968
39
45
744
6
119 (95 guests)
$183,816
2015
6844
5502
39
48
910
6
149 (125 guests)
$220,080
Year
*2013 = $35 per person per trip / 2014 = $37 pppt / 2015 = $40 pppt | Note: These figures are likely to be an underestimate as 24 hour monitoring of the channel was not possible
www.mantatrust.org
9
PHOTO © Ben Buchan
With the right guidelines, briefings and training, guests can enjoy being in the water with manta rays while letting the mantas remain as relaxed
and natural as possible.
For one resort, Barefoot Manta Island, total revenue from tourism at Manta Channel increased by a factor of 1.63
over the last 2 years, with over FJD 70,000 (FJD 70,740) revenue in 2015 versus just over FJD 40,000 (FJD 43,280) in
2013 (Table 4). The average revenue per trip and total number of trips per season also increased steadily over the
last 3 years.
Table 4. Tourism data for guest excursions run by Barefoot Manta Island to Manta Channel in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji during the 2013, 2014,
and 2015 manta seasons (May through October).
Total No.
Barefoot Trips
Total No.
Barefoot Guests
Average No.
Barefoot Guests
Average no. mantas
/ Barefoot trip
Total Barefoot
revenue ($FJ)**
Average revenue
/ Barefoot trip
2013
88
1082
12
3.75
$43,280
$492
2014
86
1235
14
4.45
$51,870
$603
2015
99
1572
18
3.29
$70,740
$715
Year
**2013 = $40 per person per trip / 2014 = $42 pppt / 2015 = $45 pppt
In 2015, the project recorded the highest number of people visiting the site in one single day since the project started (125 PAX) (Table 3). This raises concerns about the maximum capacity and possible overcrowding at the site in the
future. Differing resort schedules, short manta sighting opportunities and irregular visitors, such as private yachts,
possibly contribute to this crowding, and best practice guidelines are strongly recommended as a tool to sustainably
manage the interactions with manta rays in the future. Barefoot Manta Island in association with the Manta Trust
has been issuing their own guidelines via a compulsory ‘manta brief’ since 2014. This involves a short talk explaining
proper guest behaviour in the channel and insights into manta ray’s biology and conservation efforts. This has been
met with extremely positive results and feedback. Private and chartered yachts are becoming regular visitors to the
manta channel, and it is vital they are aware of best practice guidelines and code of conduct.
www.mantatrust.org
10
Manta Migrations
A highlight of the 2015 season was the
discovery that 2 manta rays had migrated
almost 300km away from the Yasawas
Manta Channel site, crossing open oceans
on their journey to other island groups
(Figure 3). A reef manta photographically
identified in the Yasawas was sighted and
identified at Astrolobe Reef, Kadavu – 280
km away. At Astrolobe Reef, manta rays are
present almost year round, but are particularly prominent from December – February, during Fiji’s summer. This is the time
when they are not seen in the Yasawas and
it might be a first clue to where the mantas
Figure 3: Potential migration routes of reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) around Fiji. A (Manta Channel, Yasawas) to B (Namena Marine Reserve) ≈240km. A to C (Astrolabe Reef, Kadavu) ≈280km.
go to when not in the Yasawas.
Photographic identification also showed that another Yasawan manta ray travelled all the way to the Namena Marine
Reserve – a 240 km journey (Figure 3). Mantas have been sighted off Yadua Island (east of the northern Yasawas),
which may lie on the migration path from the Yasawas to Namena Marine Reserve. However, no identification photos
were obtained from Yadua Island.
Remote Cameras
Remote cameras were deployed in the Manta Channel during 2014. During the 2015 season, Remote Underwater
Video Devices (RUVs) were acquired with the support of Projects Abroad (www.projects-abroad.org) to increase
length of filming time. RUVs were deployed at strategic points around the reef and generated 5 second time lapse
photographs over the course of 2 days. This allowed for prolonged monitoring of the channel without people in the
vicinity and enabled manta identification that would not have been possible previously.
PHOTOS © Stephen Pollett
A selection of images from the remote cameras of a Black tip, White Tip and Green Turtle.
www.mantatrust.org
11
Project Outreach
Volunteering
A volunteer was recruited to the manta team at Barefoot Manta Island during the second half of the season (August
– October) to assist with the project and data collection. This enabled the team to record more extensive data on
the manta rays and their habitat during the 2015 season. Fijian dive staff at Barefoot Manta Island have also been
involved with the project for several years and continue to learn about manta rays and their conservation through
education and awareness presentations by the project.
IUCN Pacific Island Species Forum
In July 2015, the second joint Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP) and International
Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pacific Island Species Forum was held in Fiji. Researchers, government representatives and industry experts participated in this event to develop improved conservation measures for species
in the South Pacific. Manta Trust Associate Director, Daniel Fernando, attended and gave a presentation, which also
included the FMRP work. This forum was an excellent opportunity to build relationships for the FMRP, particularly
with SPREP and IUCN.
Future Plans
The long term goal of the FMRP is to gain a detailed understanding of the Fijian manta ray population and the threats
faced by mantas across Fiji in order to advise on improved conservation management for these amazing creatures,
for the benefit of the Fijian nation. This is crucial particularly in the case of Fiji, which is a small island nation and a
large ocean state that is strongly connected to and dependent on the marine environment and its resources. Tourism with manta rays continues to rise in popularity in Fiji (and so does the revenue generated by it), providing a significant alternative income to fishing for the local community and resorts alike. It is important to ensure this sustainable
use of Fiji’s marine resources is ensured for many generations to come.
Over the next 3-5 years, the project aims to achieve the following:
Marine Protected Area
The Barefoot Collection, World Wildlife Fund and The Manta Trust joined forces in 2015 and proposed a Marine Protected Area (MPA) around the Manta Channel site in the Yasawas. This proposal is currently being reviewed and expected to be approved in 2016. The introduction of an MPA, where fishing is prohibited and certain regulations exist,
needs to be socialised to the local community and resorts. The project aims to work together with the community to
gain acceptance and understanding of the new legislation as well as develop guidelines for sustainable interactions
specific to the manta channel site. A concerted effort by the authorities in charge of the new Manta Channel MPA
should also be made to introduce these guidelines and code of conduct to private and chartered yachts at ‘Musket
Cove’, a local Island anchorage used by many Yachters before heading through the Yasawas.
Using the Manta Channel MPA in the Yasawas as an example of sustainable tourism management, the aim is to
identify other sites across Fiji that potentially also serve as manta aggregation areas and require better protection
measures. As other manta sites are becoming targeted by tourism this would help regulate the areas before detrimental effects were felt.
www.mantatrust.org
12
Tagging
In 2015, funds were received to initiate an
acoustic tagging program of the manta rays
in the Yasawas (see Yasawan Manta Tagging
Proposal). The project aims to deploy these
tags at the start of the 2016 season and
place an array of acoustic receivers around
the islands surrounding the channel to get a
better understanding of the fine scale movement of mantas during the season. This
helps to identify whether any other aggregation sites exist in the area that could relieve
PHOTO © Matt Hardy
the pressure from Manta Channel, as well as
provide a better understanding of behaviour
and habitat use of this population. It would
Aerial photograph from a drone looking over the manta channel north towards
Naviti Island.
also provide insights on channel usage, reproductively important sites, potential sexual dimorphism in migration patterns and help evaluate the effectiveness
of MPA placement.
The project aims to secure more funding to deploy satellite tags on the manta rays, in order to investigate migration
routes of manta rays across Fiji. A better understanding of spatio-temporal distribution would be useful to highlight
areas in need of protection (Graham et al., 2012) – for example reefs targeted by intensive fishing practices. Long
distance migrations may be infrequent with a core population residing in an area and a smaller number being transient. In Hawaii, mantas were found to stay within shallower waters despite the relative close proximity of alternate
aggregation sites across deep channels (Deakos et al., 2011). Hence, the deep water between certain sites in Fiji was
thought to be a possible barrier to longer migrations, yet findings from this project disprove this. These new discoveries will have consequences for conservation management and highlight the need to protect the species nationally.
High site fidelity would necessitate the need for MPAs at important aggregation sites (Dewar et al., 2008); however
national protection would be needed to prevent mantas being targeted by fisheries outside of these MPAs.
Remote Cameras and Drones
Remote cameras were successfully deployed in 2015 and allowed for more detailed monitoring of the site, and provided insights into activities at the site without the presence of tourists. The project aims to deploy further cameras
in the future, sites being selected using local knowledge and potentially data insights gathered from the tagging
study. If other aggregation sites are found, cameras will be placed there to identify individuals and investigate whether they are part of the same Yasawan population.
In 2014, a drone was used over a short time period to capture aerial videos of the channel and parts of the outer
reef east of the manta channel. Depending on funding, the project aims to use drones more regularly to search for
manta rays and aggregation sites in the surrounding areas.
Genetic Sampling
Genetic studies can reveal a species’ stock structure and relatedness, and predict their capacity to adapt to change.
Novel genetic methods now enable us to gain a better understanding of speciation, evolution and adaptation - all of
which have important implications for conservation. Understanding regional differences at genomic level will shed
light on the mystery of mantas’ large-scale movements, population structure and isolation levels of these animals.
www.mantatrust.org
13
This data can be used to understand how this species will respond to climate change and anthropomorphic pressure, and so effectively inform conservation policy both nationally and internationally. Moreover, Fiji has a high
prevalence of black morph mantas: a phenomenon that features less frequently in many other populations. Genetic
sampling can possibly shed light on the drivers of this colour morph variation.
The project aims to acquire a permit to take non-invasive genetic samples of manta rays to be analysed as part of
the Global Mobulid Genetics Project by The Manta Trust. Samples will need to be sent to the UK for analysis by the
project leader, Ms Jane Hosegood. Samples collected in Fiji will be supplemented by samples available from other
locations in the Pacific, providing an ideal opportunity for a population genetic structure study on a wide scale. Furthermore, Fijian samples included within a Global Mobulid Genetic ID kit will enable monitoring and enforcement of
conservation regulations such as CITES Appendix II listing.
Climate Change
Temperature probes have been deployed to measure sea surface temperature, and together with satellite images of
Chlorophyll a concentrations this can be used as a baseline for studying the effects of ENSO, climate change and other changes in the ocean environment on a long-term basis. The data will also help to understand potential impacts of
climate change in localised animal movements.
Outreach
The project aims to include volunteers more broadly into its activities, and introduce a volunteer program to increase
data collection on manta rays across Fiji. Volunteers will pay a small sum to assist in research to create an alternative source of funding for the activities of the project. An NGO linked to the Barefoot Collection is currently being
established and the project aims to work closely together with the NGO collaborating with Barefoot Collection as an
affiliate of The Manta Trust.
Community awareness and education is another goal of the project. Local Fijian dive staff will be trained to take
responsibility for parts of the project’s activities and to assist in data collection and implementation, genetic sampling
and general education. The project aims to create ambassadors for the mantas within the Fijian community, who will
educate and raise awareness for the species amongst other villages and islands.
The project will look to build on collaborations with other organisations including: the WWF, Conservation International, SPREP, Projects Abroad, Beqa Adventure Divers and the IUCN. This will create a network of related agencies
working towards the establishment of MPAs and national and international mobulid protection.
National Protection
The project aims to achieve national protection for manta and mobula rays in Fiji. Fiji has become known as the
global leader for conservation of these species, successfully listing reef mantas and mobulas under the Conservation
of Migratory Species (CMS), and Fiji is proposing mobula rays for listing on the Conservation of International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II in 2016. Fiji has done a fantastic job at showing its commitment to protecting
its marine resources to the world and it is important that this becomes implemented in its own nation. Initiating protection would not only benefit these vulnerable species, but also help bring financial stability via sustainable tourism
to areas that would otherwise potentially struggle.
Other Mobulids
Very little is known about mobula rays (Mobula spp.) in Fiji. There are currently two confirmed species – Mobula
thurstoni and Mobula japanica – but very few sightings have been documented. These species are facing the same
threats as the manta rays and are similarly vulnerable and in need of improved protection measures.
www.mantatrust.org
14
Acknowledgments
Once again The Barefoot Collection has been a huge help in furthering the research in the Yasawas, I hope this can
continue on into the future - the dive and boat crew on Barefoot Manta were especially invaluable. I would like to
thank Beqa Adventure Divers and Projects Abroad who have provided research equipment and knowledge this year.
Hopefully this collaboration will continue on and bring benefits to multiple species. Thanks to Tarkye for being an
excellent volunteer, we could not have found out the things we did without you.
References
Anderson, C.R., Adam, M.S., Goes, J.I. (2011). From monsoons to mantas: seasonal distribution of Manta alfredi in the
Maldives. Fish Oceanogr. 20:2, 104-113.
Deakos, M.H., Baker, J.D., Bejder, L. (2011). Characteristics of a manta ray Manta alfredi population off Maui, Hawaii,
and implications for management. Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 429:245-260.
Dewar, H., Mous, P., Domeier, M., Muljadi, A., Pet, J. and Whitty, J. (2008) Movements and site fidelity of the giant manta ray, Manta birostris, in the Komodo Marine Park, Indonesia. Mar. Biol. 155:121–133.
Graham, R.T., Witt, M.J., Castellanos, D.W., Remolina, F., Maxwell, S., et al. (2012) Satellite Tracking of Manta Rays Highlights Challenges to Their Conservation. PLoS ONE 7(5): e36834. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0036834
Heinrichs, S., O’Malley, M., Medd, H., Hilton, P. 2011. The Global Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays. Manta Ray of
Hope Project Official Report www.mantarayofhope.com
Homma, K., Maruyama, T., Itoh, T., Ishihara, H., Uchida, S. (1997) Biology of the manta ray, Manta birostris, Walbaum,
in the Indo-PaciWc. In: Séret B, Sire JY (eds) Proceedings of the 5th Indo-PaciWc Fish Conference, Nouméa. Soc Fr
Ichthyol, Paris, pp 209–216.
Kitchen-Wheeler, A.M., Ari, C., Edwards, A.J. (2012) Population estimates of Alfred mantas (Manta alfredi) in central
Maldives atolls: North Male, Ari and Baa. Environ Biol Fish 93:557–575
Levington, J.S. (2001). Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology. 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press.
Luiz, O.J. Jr, Balboni, A.P., Kodja, G., Andrade, M. and Marum, H. (2009) Seasonal occurrences of Manta birostris
(Chondrichthyes: Mobulidae) in Southeastern Brazil. Ichthyol. Res. 56:96–99.
Marshall, A.D., Dudgeon, C.L., Bennett, M.B. (2011) Size and structure of a photographically identified population of
manta rays Manta alfredi in southern Mozambique. Mar Biol 158:1111–1124
O’Malley, M.P., Lee-Brooks, K., Medd, H.B. (2013) The Global Economic Impact of Manta Ray Watching Tourism. PLoS
ONE 8(5): e65051. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0065051
Pacific ENSO Update. Quarter 4, 2015 Vol. 21, No. 4 http://www.weather.gov/media/peac/PEU/PEU_v21_n4.pdf
Pacific ENSO Update. 1st Quarter, 2015 Vol. 21, No. 1 http://www.weather.gov/media/peac/PEU/PEU_v21_n1.pdf
Pacific ENSO update. Quarter 1, 2016. Vol. 22. No. 1 http://www.weather.gov/media/peac/PEU/PEU_v22_n1.pdf
Ward-Paige, C.A., Davis, B., Worm, B., 2013. Global Population Trends and Human Use Patterns of Manta and Mobula
Rays. PLoS ONE 8(9): e74835. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074835
www.mantatrust.org
15
Report written by:
Stephen Pollett
Research performed by:
Stephen Pollett - Project Leader, Fiji Manta Ray Project
Dan Bowling – Head Marine Biologist, The Barefoot Collection
Heather Bowling – Head Marine Biologist, The Barefoot Collection
Taryke Van Rensburg – Volunteer, Fiji Manta Ray Project
Semi Baleisuva – Barefoot Manta Island Dive Instructor / Trainee Marine Biologist
Pauliasi Sukanavanua – Barefoot Manta Island Dive Master / Trainee Marine Biologist
Iowane Bruce Caketi – Barefoot Manta Island Dive Instructor / Trainee Marine Biologist
The Dive Staff at Barefoot Manta Island
Manta
T R U S T
For more information please contact:
Stephen Pollett
[email protected]
Dan Bowling
[email protected]
Heather Bowling
[email protected]
The information and ideas within this report are the intellectual property of The Manta Trust. Any scientific data distributed to our collaborators and
partners belongs to The Manta Trust and are not to be shared with a third party without prior permission from The Manta Trust.
www.mantatrust.org
16