Sustainable manta tourism in Maldives feedback, and other news this month

16 January, 2022

Following on from a fantastic research expedition in the far north of the Maldives at the end of 2021, Manta Trust's team has produced a series of videos showcasing the work the team was involved in whilst out on the water. The first four episodes are available on our YouTube channel.

Episode 1 - The Maldives
Episode 2 - Photo Identification
Episode 3 - Reproductive Ecology
Episode 4 - Inspiring Ocean Guardians

FISH FREE FEBRUARY

All manta and devil ray species have declining population trends globally, largely as a result of the impacts of fisheries. Fish Free February is a charitable initiative set up to raise awareness of the impacts of fisheries and make people aware of ocean conservation issues. Use February as a challenge! Go Fish-Free for a month if you are in a position to do so, and help raise awareness of the impacts fisheries have on manta rays and the wider ocean ecosystem.

MALDIVIAN MANTA RAY PROJECT IN THE NEWS

"They have no sting, no teeth, nothing they can do to hurt humans. So they're absolutely wonderful to swim with in the water." - Beth Faulkner.

The work of our inspirational team in the Maldives was featured on CNN Travel last month. Read More

THE CLOCK IS TICKING FOR EU SHARK FIN BAN

Europe should follow the example of UK, Canada or Hawaii where a ban of shark fins has already been established. Now it is Europe´s turn to act! One million votes from EU Citizens are needed before January 31 2022.

If you are European, support #StopFinningEU with your signature. If you are not from the EU, you can always help by spreading the word.

Sign the petition here.

FUVAHMULAH RESEARCH SUPPORT

We’re excited to have received a donation from CO-EXIST Projects to support our research on the oceanic manta rays in the Maldives. Oceanic manta rays were recently uplisted to endangered on the IUCN Red List largely due to the continued threats from fisheries. We’re thankful for the support to continue our research in the Maldives on this endangered species.

Maldives Marine Protected Areas Win

At the end of last year, we received the excellent news that six ecologically significant sites in Laamu Atoll in the Maldives were being designated as marine protected areas.One of these sites, L. Maabaidhoo Koaru Area (which includes Maabaidhoo mangrove, Fushi Kandu (channel), and both Kanuhuraa and Fushi Islands) encompasses an important manta ray cleaning station.

Last year alone, our Maldivian Manta Ray Project - Manta Trust team recorded 165 encounters at this site with a maximum of 11 individuals using the cleaning station at once! We’re always proud to see our data put to use for conservation wins!

Congratulations to Six Senses Laamu MUI by Six Senses Laamu Blue Marine Foundation and Olive Ridley Project for the collaborative effort in securing protected status for these six sites.