AMCS has partnered with the Moreton Bay Research Centre (University of Queensland) to study the biology and conservation of manta rays on the eastern seaboard of Australia.
The manta ray, Manta birostris, is the world's largest ray, reaching seven metres across from wing tip to wing tip. It is an iconic species with a worldwide distribution. As a harmless ocean giant it is a much loved and admired ocean animal which is the subject of million dollar commercial dive-tourism industries.
Manta rays are heavily targeted for fisheries in various parts of the world, particularly recently in south-east Asia. This has led to significant population declines in many regions. Manta rays are now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species although they are not currently protected in Australian state or federal waters.
In Australia, manta rays along the eastern coast occur in relatively shallow waters from Narooma in southern NSW to the tip of Cape York in the north, a distance of nearly 4,000 km. However, although the rays are commonly seen and dived with at certain sites, there is relatively little is known about most aspects of the biology and ecology of manta rays, and there is no scientific data available on the Australian east coast population.
'Project Manta' wishes to rectify this disturbing lack of data through a multi-faceted study of the biology of manta rays along the eastern seaboard of Australia. The project aims to engage scientists, industry partners and the general public in a comprehensive study of manta rays that will simultaneously enhance our knowledge of the species, generate economic and social benefits and provide a basis for long-term monitoring of the environment.
Join Project Manta on Facebook here.