Just Conservation - help make a difference. Manta ray research trips.

Today (20 Feb 2014), the Indonesian governnment has announced the establishment of the world's largest manta ray sanctuary, encompassing a massive six million square kilometres of ocean!  This new legislation now enforces full, nationwide protection for both manta species across Indonesia. 

Guy Stevens, Chief Executive of the Manta Trust commented:  “Manta rays are iconic species, they symbolise what is at stake if we choose not to protect our oceans and their inhabitants for our future generations. The Indonesian Government’s decision to legally protect manta rays is a great step along the road to effective conservation of these increasingly vulnerable species. I applaud the government for this positive action and I strongly urge other nations to follow in their footsteps.”

Calling all manta lovers…

We are delighted to introduce our new partner in marine conservation:  The Manta Trust

The Manta Trust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of manta rays through research, education and raising awareness. Its goal is to encourage the worldwide conservation of manta rays and their natural habitat through focused science and meaningful research, while creating awareness and providing education to the general public and community stakeholders alike. One of the main challenges faced by manta rays is the increase in demand for their gill plates, which are highly prized in Chinese traditional medicine. One good way to address this is by getting enthusiastic divers involved in research to monitor mantas and collect critical information that can support educated decisions at governmental level to create protected marine areas.

Rebecca Lynam, Manta Trust Expeditions Manager, works alongside us:

"Manta rays are one of our oceans most majestic creatures, once seen never forgotten. Yet they are threatened globally, as many marine species are, by a multitude of anthropogenic pressures. Adapting to climate change, habitat destruction and a direct fishery for their gills are some of the most significant challenges facing manta rays today.

The Manta Trust works in partnership with a number of regional manta ray focused projects worldwide conducting research, raising awareness and providing education for all in an effort to protect this precious species. A major part of our research revolves around learning more about this little known character, its life history and behaviour and this is achieved in part by taking photos of individual manta rays whenever possible. Each manta ray has a unique pattern of spots and splodges on its belly which once entered into our database can tell us more information about their migration patterns, reproductive success and much more.

This research technique, while extremely useful, requires many hours spent in water in an attempt to snap as many manta bellies as possible. Manta Expeditions has begun to address this by providing manta focused conservation trips in various manta ray hotspots around the world. Our divers and snorkellers are introduced to the best sites in each location to encounter manta rays and, having conducted a manta ID workshop with them, they help us to collect ID shots to add to our database. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about manta rays and their mysterious lives while making a key contribution to their protection by helping with data collection. Our trips leave guests with an unforgettable memory of a very special encounter alongside the skills and knowledge to help conserve this species for generations to come."

Together, with the Manta Trust, we offer an unmissable opportunity to join dedicated diving expeditions in some of the world’s most outstanding destinations such as Indonesia, Maldives and Yap. Explore these fantastic countries and enjoy spectacular diving whilst helping with manta conservation - a holiday that makes a difference!

Get on board...call 0845 130 6980 to book your adventure!