The Blue Zoo Heritage Society is developing a partnership with the Manta Network for their flagship project: the Manta Ray Conservation Program in Ticao Island, Masbate, Philippines.

Blue Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated for research, conservation, education and recreation of Philippine marine resources. This newly-formed society, currently under process of registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is composed of a continuously expanding membership of Filipino marine-enthusiasts who share the spirit of safeguarding the sanctity of one of the Philippines’ most precious resources. With the growth of the local diving industry and increasing interest of concerned sectors, Blue Zoo is envisioned to be a frontliner in advocating marine protection and education in the Philippines.

In brief, the flagship project seeks for the conservation of the Manta Rays frequenting the waters of Ticao Island in Masbate by converting the people into active protectors of these sea creatures along with the introduction and development of alternative livelihood programs. The culmination of this 5-year program seeks the establishment of a self-sustaining Ticao Manta Ray Research Center which guarantees continuous specie studies and protection.

We have already begun initial information campaigns and recruiting members into the society. Simultaneously, we are establishing linkages with local government units, policy-makers, local groups and communities, dive associations, media, etc. The support from the local government units in Ticao Island and Masbate, including representatives from the Congress (Lower House) has been very favorable. We’ll be more than happy to let you know of the detailed project action plan.

As an affiliate of the Manta Research Network, we are securing a long-term partnership characterized by sharing of knowledge/research data and experience, and assistance on technical matters and program implementation/monitoring. The Manta Network's support and commitment will certainly contribute to the success of the Manta Ray Conservation Program in Ticao Island.

Mark E.M. Villanueva
Boardmember, Blue Zoo Heritage Society
Executive Director, Cause Communication (the IEC Non-government Organization)

Cause Communication is located at Unit 4H, N&M bldg., 1184 Chino Roces ave., Makati City, Philippines Telephone: (063-2-8993648)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Friday-Saturday
October 22, 2004

Saving Ticao’s Mantas
By Norman P. Aquino, Senior Reporter

A nongovernmental organization composed of diving enthusiasts and environmentalists is spearheading a campaign that seeks to save the giant manta rays of Ticao island in Masbate.

Calling itself the Blue Zoo Heritage Society, Inc., the group is also enlisting the support of several municipalities in the area to conserve the rays through research and strong community participation.

"We hope to duplicate the success of Donsol as a major eco-tourism destination. With the help of the local community as major stakeholders and beneficiaries, it can be done," said John Paolo Calleja, one of the incorporators of the group.

The five-year conservation program involves research and documentation of the manta birostris, community behavior and attitude, as well as the site's eco-tourism potential.

Mark Villanueva, who helped prepare the conservation plan, said research as an initial project component is very significant since it provides scientific information on the behavior, importance and role of the manta rays. "The concept is to gather scientific data on the manta rays and convert analysis into an action plan for creating understanding and protection of the sea creatures," he added.

Mr. Villanueva, a development communications specialist, said research would help the group identify the forces under a "social marketing environment." The program also seeks to empower partner institutions and residents as guardians and managers of their marine environment through an effective communication campaign and by helping the community develop alternative means of livelihood.

The body of water within the area of Burias island in Sorsogon, and Ticao island in Masbate is known as Ticao pass. Like Donsol's waters, it has a dense concentration of plankton, krill, and small fish, making it ideal as a feeding ground for mantas.

Ticao, one of the three major islands of Masbate, has received scant attention from tourists. Then news of manta sightings in the area that would later on be called the Manta Bowl reached local and foreign divers - mostly Japanese - who started visiting the area to get a glimpse of the friendly creatures close to their hearts.

Unlike sightings in dive sites elsewhere, the mantas of Ticao are big. They are also almost a guarantee, aside from the fact that they are known to linger for a while and sometimes even get near adventure-seeking divers. It is estimated that an average of three manta rays are being killed in Ticao every week. This is equivalent to 144 mantas killed each year but the number could even be higher.

Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193 makes it unlawful to catch, sell, buy, possess, transport and export whale sharks and manta rays. These species have been declared protected creatures.

Mantas or devilfishes are found in temperate and tropical waters near continents and island groups of all oceans. These cartilaginous fish, also called devil rays and sea bats, have greatly extended, wing-like pectoral fins. The largest, the Atlantic manta, can measure up to seven meters from tip to tip of the fins. Giant manta rays have also been spotted in Tubbataha reefs off Sulu sea near Palawan. The manta is characterized by a pair of forward-pointing lobes on each side of the head, with a presumed resemblance to a devil's horns. These lobes are used to guide plankton and small crustaceans into the fish's mouth as it cruises near the surface; dense gill rakers extract the plankton. The fish is generally harmless to humans.

Blue Zoo representatives noted that instead of a handful of people profiting from the mantas' killings, people from the municipalities of Monreal, San Jacinto, San Fernando and Batuan stand to benefit more from the conservation of mantas. The conservation program also seeks to strengthen the capabilities of partner institutions and organizations in marine conservation, resource use and eco-tourism.

Meanwhile, an information campaign will seek to create awareness leading to behavioral change in the local community. This will be done through video documentaries, radio plugs, leaflets and other printed materials. The program will also try to introduce ecologically sustainable activities or alternative income-generating projects such as eco-tourism and other environmentally sustainable means of livelihood.

To ensure the success of eco-tourism, the program will study the site for other attractions as well as promote Ticao as a tourism investment destination. The last phase of the five-year program involves project evaluation and monitoring to ensure the environment is preserved during the course of eco-tourism activities.

Copyright ©2004 BusinessWorld Online, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The Manta Network will be conducting research into manta ray behavior in the Indian Ocean off Eastern Africa. You are invited to participate as a research assistant and aid our scientists in the collection of important data that will lead to manta protection. The Karios Research Vessel has been specially equipped to conduct a wide rage of oceanographic investigations. All if the modern equipment such as GPS, satellite communications, WiFi wireless Internet, specialized diving equipment, high resolution underwater video and photographic equipment and underwater communications can be used and is included in the price. Departures & Itinerary We are offering four 10-day (9 nights) expeditions. Departure dates are: September 28, October 10, October 22 & November 3, 2006 Travel to Dar, Tanzania can be arranged through our travel consultant, Uncommon Adventures, with a special discount. Air travel will generally require an additional day of travel on each end of the trip. An overnight in Dar for the inbound travel may be required. Day 1: Arrive in Dar airport; greeted by Manta Network and Karios staff; transfer to ship, ship leaves the same day; sleep on-board Day 2: Ship tour and initial training on research equipment and procedures; check-out and warm-up dives; introductory manta lecture Day 3-8: Diving for manta identification, acoustic tracking and DNA tissue sampling; daily data evaluation; research planning; manta lecture Day 9: Diving; evaluation of research data collected, final lecture and presentation; sleep on-board while ship returns to port Day 10: After breakfast, leave the ship for the airport or special excursions Unlimited diving within safety limits will be allowed including several night dives. All meals and drinks are included.

The cost of the 10-day/9-night trip is $3,800 USD without air. All accommodations are based on double occupancy. A special discount of $250 USD applies to non-divers. Jim Harlan, Uncommon Adventures can make all travel arrangements including special excursions to mainland Africa. Three additional manta expeditions in August and early September are also offered but will not be attended by Manta Network staff and scientists. The cost of these trips is somewhat lower. For more information on additional schedules and costs, contact Robert Aston. Included at no additional cost: Airport transfers between Dar Es Salaam and M/V Kairos on day of arrival and departure Diving Tanks, weights, weights belts Dive gear (short wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkel, pressure gauge, depth gauge, dive computer, buoyancy compensator, dive lights, etc.) Underwater digital photo and video equipment Nitrox fills Specialty courses (certification extra) Government taxes and Natural parks diving fees Accommodation on a double occupancy basis Full pension All the beverages (water, soft drinks, beer, wines and liquors) Snacks Open bar Not included (costs vary): Airfare Airport taxes Certification costs (CMAS, PADI, TDI) Visas and vaccinations costs Short term cancellation insurance Luggage insurance Personal diving insurance Repatriation insurance Personal expenses Meals at the airport Value Added Taxes (VAT)

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ABOUT THE RESEARCH The scarcity of research on manta rays (Manta birostris) hampers effective conservation management. Although there is no industrial fishery for manta rays, they are taken throughout much of their range. They are caught incidentally on long-lines, in near-shore set nets, and in tuna purse seines. They are targeted in artisan fisheries in Mexico, the Philippines and Indonesia. In Lamakera, Indonesia, the mantas’ dried gill rakers are sold to Asian medicinal markets. Due to the high price for the gill rakers, manta catch here has increased dramatically from approximately 75 in the late 1990’s to as many as 1,500 in 2002. Related mortality of manta rays by fisheries is cause for concern. Mantas are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their low fecundity, small population size, and limited migration in some areas. There are numerous reports of declining populations in Mexico, Bora Bora, and the Philippines. In order to develop a conservation plan, additional population structure and life history data are crucial. The research conducted on board the Karios in the Indian Ocean off East Africa will contribute to several of our global research efforts. The three principal research projects are: Manta Global Database – creating a global knowledge base to understand population dynamics using photo ID and direct observations by our network of research affiliates worldwide Indo-Pacific Manta Migration Study project goals include: Map the distribution of resident and migratory populations and identify features that influence the observed patterns. Describe the scope of movement for migratory mantas. Determine population structure throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Identify potential sources of mortality. Define critical habitat and environmental preferences. Work with local communities to obtain life history information and to educate the public. Identify appropriate conservation strategies (e.g., marine protected areas, time area closures). Continuous Manta Monitoring – understanding the dynamics of resident manta rays using a network of remotely controlled underwater video cameras. Research Activities and Goals: The Manta Network aims to collect the data on manta biology that is necessary to protect them from over exploitation. The project will include the following activities: Identify the makeup of the local population including defining habitat preferences. This will be done in a two-step program. First the Kairos team will assemble as much information on local mantas as available. Second, our team will visit to survey prime manta locations. With the help of staff and the eco-tour participants, we will photo/video-document mantas and their habitat behavior (i.e. cleaning stations, feeding, social interaction)

We will employ our unique underwater video monitoring system on-board. This will allow 24x7 eyes below the boat (even at night) to monitor behavior without the presence of divers. Fiber-optic/power cables will connect the camera to the Karios and will be relocated each time the ship is moved. Acoustic tags will be applied during each trip to track local movements. We will require a smaller boat to follow the tagged manta’s movements. DNA tissue samples will be taken as possible to add to our global understanding of population diversity. Photographs and video taken during the entire tour and research will to be used in the creation of a documentary and for manta identification analysis. Satellite tags may also be applied for long-term and long-range studies to understand migration behavior. This will depend on identifying non-resident mantas (results of acoustic tagging) and available funds to purchase sufficient numbers of tags as each tag will cost in excess of $5,000. The tag is attached using a spear gun. During the trip, we will hold classroom discussions on all that is known about manta rays. A PADI Manta Certification Program and award certificates may be included. Methodology: To document the movements of migratory manta rays we use pop-up satellite archival tags (PAT). Tags record temperature, depth and light intensity for 9 months then release, float to the surface and transmit collected data to the Argos satellites. Temperature and depth describe behaviors and habitat preferences. Light levels and sea surface temperatures are used to estimate latitude and longitude. Movements will be examined in relation to environmental conditions and the distribution of fisheries. To compliment satellite telemetry, DNA analysis will be used to examine population structure. Population dynamics, potential barriers to migration, and connectivity among regions will be investigated using nuclear microsatellite analysis. Photo-ID is effective because manta rays have distinct pigment patterns that allow individuals to be identified. By using photo-ID and video, insights into behaviors, reproductive biology, and the distributions of resident versus migratory populations can be obtained. We will work with local groups to establish regional photo-ID programs and to develop public education aimed at manta ray conservation. Equipment we may be bringing include: Underwater digital photography cameras and housing including: Nikon D70, Olympus 8080 Sony HD video with Gates underwater housing Macintosh computers 5-10 acoustic tags and receiver 3 PAT with spear gun (unless one is available locally) MantaCam remotely operated underwater camera system with shipboard server (unless Linux server is available) 24 tissue-sampling kits Personal dive gear

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About the Karios Research Vessel The Kairos is a36 meters long and 7 meters wide, although an oceanographic research vessel, has been entirely conceived for the comfort and satisfaction of 12 guests in 6 spacious and fully air-conditioned cabins. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, passengers can fully enjoy the comfortable and marine designed environment of this remarkably stable ocean-going ship. All equipment available onboard is included in the price! Internet WiFi (email for everybody) GPS: C-MAP-NT chart map Two tenders (crew operated equipped with 50cv outboard engines, echo-sounder and VHF) Digital Video Cameras (DVCAM/MiniDV) 1 Sony PD150 3 Sony VX2100 2 Extreme Vision camera houses + 4" monitor Lightings 2 200w HMI spotlights with 100m surface power supply 2 50 w HDI spotlights 100m custom-designed optical fiber broadcast device with facial mask communication system interface Digital Cameras 2 Olympus C5060 with camera houses Computers and screens 42’ Plasma screen PDP 435 HDE 2 PC multi-media 400Go, flat screens Studio 9 media suite software Photoshop element 3

Interior equipment: Six spacious guest cabins fully air conditioned, 3 of which with en-suite heads and showers, with both twin or double-berths; A large classroom for the briefings and certificate courses on the accommodation level with all kind of multimedia facilities (TV, DVD, VCR, library, 2 multi-media PC, LAN, color printer, Wireless network, Satellite phone and more); A spacious dining-room and bar equipped with a king size plasma screen; A technical zone where every guest has a reserved space to put his own diving equipment; A professional galley, with two walk-in fridges, secret reserve from which the chef draws his daily inspiration, for the utmost delight of our guests; An outside dining room, teak furnished, well shaded, to benefit from the beautiful views and refreshing sea breeze from breakfast to sunset. The underwater digital photo and video workshop is available for all the guests free as far as it is used in the framework of the expedition. You can use any of these: 12 Apollo submarine scooters (black ones) 6 Rebreather Dolphins Drager 2 Atmosphere face masks with underwater communication system 6 O2 Tanks - 6 15 Aluminum Nitrox tanks - 12 6 Calypso Nitrox regulator 4 Oxygen Analyzer 4 Archimede Nitrox computer V-Planner diving software Fins size 10-12, 13-14, 5-6, 7-8, Masks and snorkels, Short wetsuits 3mm Weights and belts Motorized Hand Gliders (ULM) Polaris FIB 582

The Manta Network will be conducting research into manta ray behavior July 2006 in the Indian Ocean. You are invited to participate as a research assistant and aid our scientists in the collection of important data that will lead to manta protection. The diving on the west side of the atolls in the southwest season (May-October) is spectacular. You will regularly encounter large schools of pelagic fish such as sharks, eagle rays and tuna. Another noticeable feature of the southwest season is that the water temperature is usually one or two degrees lower that the usual 28º C (82ºF). This has an effect on both the behavior and sightings of marine life, particularly the grey reef sharks and hammerheads, which seem to congregate in larger numbers and in shallower water at this time of year. On the eastern side of the atolls, the southwest season is the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks. Here your visibility is not so good, but this is compensated for by the wonderful experience of diving with these huge plankton feeders. Departures & Itinerary We are offering a 13-day and a 7-day (6 nights) expedition on MV Sea Spirit. Departure dates for the 13-day expedition is July 17 and for the 7-day trip is July 31, 2006. (July 17-30 & July 31-August 6, 2006) Travel to Maldives can be arranged through our travel consultant, Uncommon Adventures, with a special discount. Air travel will generally require an additional day of travel on each end of the trip. Day 1: Arrive in airport; greeted by Manta Network staff; transfer to ship, ship leaves the same day; sleep on-board Day 2: Ship tour and initial training on research equipment and procedures; check-out and warm-up dives; introductory manta lecture Day 3-5 or 3-11: Diving for manta identification, acoustic tracking and DNA tissue sampling; daily data evaluation; research planning; manta lecture

Day 6 or Day 12: Diving; evaluation of research data collected, final lecture and presentation; sleep on-board while ship returns to port Day 7 or Day 13: After breakfast, leave the ship for the airport or special excursions Unlimited diving within safety limits will be allowed including several night dives. All meals and soft drinks are included. The cost of the 13-day/12-night trip is $2,995 USD without air. The 7-day/6-night trip cost $1,995 USD. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Jim Harlan, Uncommon Adventures can make all travel arrangements including special excursions and land-based resorts. Included at no additional cost: Airport transfers to/from ship on arrival and departure Diving (tanks, weights, weights belts) Full board accommodation in a twin or double cabin Canned soft drinks Various excursions Not included (costs vary): Airfare Airport taxes Certification costs (CMAS, PADI, TDI) Visas and vaccinations costs Short term cancellation insurance Luggage insurance Personal diving insurance Repatriation insurance Personal expenses Meals at the airport Value Added Taxes (VAT)

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ABOUT THE RESEARCH The scarcity of research on manta rays (Manta birostris) hampers effective conservation management. Although there is no industrial fishery for manta rays, they are taken throughout much of their range. They are caught incidentally on long-lines, in near-shore set nets, and in tuna purse seines. They are targeted in artisan fisheries in Mexico, the Philippines and Indonesia. In Lamakera, Indonesia, the mantas’ dried gill rakers are sold to Asian medicinal markets. Due to the high price for the gill rakers, manta catch here has increased dramatically from approximately 75 in the late 1990’s to as many as 1,500 in 2002. Related mortality of manta rays by fisheries is cause for concern. Mantas are extremely susceptible to over-fishing due to their low fecundity, small population size, and limited migration in some areas. There are numerous reports of declining populations in Mexico, Bora Bora, and the Philippines. In order to develop a conservation plan, additional population structure and life history data are crucial. The research conducted on board will contribute to several of our global research efforts. The three principal research projects are: Manta Global Database – creating a global knowledge base to understand population dynamics using photo ID and direct observations by our network of research affiliates worldwide Indo-Pacific Manta Migration Study -- project goals include: Map the distribution of resident and migratory populations and identify features that influence the observed patterns. Describe the scope of movement for migratory mantas. Determine population structure throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Identify potential sources of mortality. Define critical habitat and environmental preferences. Work with local communities to obtain life history information and to educate the public. Identify appropriate conservation strategies (e.g., marine protected areas, time area closures). Continuous Manta Monitoring – understanding the dynamics of resident manta rays using a network of remotely controlled underwater video cameras Research Activities and Goals: The Manta Network aims to collect the data on manta biology that is necessary to protect them from over exploitation. The project will include the following activities: Identify the makeup of the local population including defining habitat preferences. This will be done in a two-step program. First the Kairos team will assemble as much information on local mantas as available. Second, our team will visit to survey prime manta locations. With the help of staff and the eco-tour participants, we will photo/video-document mantas and their habitat behavior (i.e. cleaning stations, feeding, social interaction) We will employ our unique underwater video monitoring system on-board. This will allow 24x7 eyes below the boat (even at night) to monitor behavior without the presence of divers. Fiber-optic/power cables will connect the camera to the Karios and will be relocated each time the ship is moved. Acoustic tags will be applied during each trip to track local movements. We will require a smaller boat to follow the tagged manta’s movements. DNA tissue samples will be taken as possible to add to our global understanding of population diversity. Photographs and video taken during the entire tour and research will to be used in the creation of a documentary and for manta identification analysis. Satellite tags may also be applied for long-term and long-range studies to understand migration behavior. This will depend on identifying non-resident mantas (results of acoustic tagging) and available funds to purchase sufficient numbers of tags as each tag will cost in excess of $5,000. The tag is attached using a spear gun. During the trip, we will hold classroom discussions on all that is known about manta rays. A PADI Manta Certification Program and award certificates may be included.

Methodology: To document the movements of migratory manta rays we use pop-up satellite archival tags (PAT). Tags record temperature, depth and light intensity for 9 months then release, float to the surface and transmit collected data to the Argos satellites. Temperature and depth describe behaviors and habitat preferences. Light levels and sea surface temperatures are used to estimate latitude and longitude. Movements will be examined in relation to environmental conditions and the distribution of fisheries. To compliment satellite telemetry, DNA analysis will be used to examine population structure. Population dynamics, potential barriers to migration, and connectivity among regions will be investigated using nuclear microsatellite analysis. Photo-ID is effective because manta rays have distinct pigment patterns that allow individuals to be identified. By using photo-ID and video, insights into behaviors, reproductive biology, and the distributions of resident versus migratory populations can be obtained. We will work with local groups to establish regional photo-ID programs and to develop public education aimed at manta ray conservation. Equipment we may be bringing include: Underwater digital photography cameras and housing including: Nikon D70, Olympus 8080 Sony HD video with Gates underwater housing Macintosh computers 5-10 acoustic tags and receiver 3 PAT with spear gun (unless one is available locally) MantaCam remotely operated underwater camera system with shipboard server (unless Linux server is available) 24 tissue-sampling kits Personal dive gear

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ABOUT MALDIVES The Maldives islands are located to the south west of India and straddle the Indian Ocean stretching 539 miles north to. At its widest point the country is only 79 miles wide. The country is made up of an archipelago of 26 atolls. The largest atoll is Huvadhoo in the south and contains about 250 islands. The smallest atoll is Thoddoo that consists just one small island. Geographically the archipelago extends north to the Laccadives that politically belongs to India and south to the Chagos archipelago that is a British Indian Ocean Territory and includes Diego Garcia that is leased to the US. When the country is observed from sea level on a boat, the country seems to disappear as the actual land mass is extremely small and the islands are quite remote from each other. The land mass consists only 0.2 percent of the surface area. There are approximately 2,000 islands but only about 200 are officially classified as locally inhabited island. As the highest point above seas level is only 12 feet and most islands are less than 6 feet, the islands continually change due to erosion and coral/sand deposits. It is not uncommon to see a large sandbank appear one year, only to see it disappear the next. Despite rising sea levels, the sea level in the Maldives has actually dropped by 30cm in the past 25 years, but as the damage caused by the 2005 Tsunami proved, the islands, and thus the nation, is very susceptible to rising sea levels and damage by extreme weather. Luckily the Maldives fall outside the hurricane belt and is in fact in the areas known as the doldrums due to the relatively low winds experienced.

Tourist islands with 5-star accommodation and swimsuit-clad guests co-exist with simple local islands nearby where life has changed very little in the past 50 years and fishing continues to be the main profession of the islanders. There are now approximately 100 tourist atolls, mainly in the central atolls, but the Government has announced plans for much greater development of the north and south of the country, one the infrastructure is in place. ABOUT MALDIVES SCUBA TOURS Maldives Scuba Tours has been organizing trips for scuba divers for the past eleven years. They now have a loyal base of customers who have booked with again and again knowing that they provide a first class service. Maldives Scuba Tours was established 12 years ago by Rob Bryning and Sam Harwood, authors of "Dive Sites of the Maldives" and a number of other guides to the Maldives and the Indian Ocean. Rob and Sam are very experienced divers and are SSI Pro 5000 divers with extensive knowledge of worldwide live boards. Maldives Scuba Tours are recognized as leading experts on live boards and diving holidays to the Maldives. We own and operate two world-class live aboard dive vessels in the Maldives, the MV Sea Queen and the MV Sea Spirit. In addition to our live boards, we offer holidays to a selection of carefully chosen resort islands.

First Annual International Manta Photographic & Video Competition
We welcome submissions from professional and amateur underwater photographers and videographers from around the world. The contest and exhibition will contain visually stunning images of manta rays which will entertain, educate and inspire an appreciation for these magnificent creatures. More than a fundraising event, the photo and video competition will assemble a collection of images that will advance our scientific understanding and publicize the need for action to protect and conserve an important species. [Enter Now]

For the first time, this event will bring together an exhibit of photographs and video devoted solely to Manta birostris and related Mobula rays. The images submitted will be added to the Manta Global Database for use in scientific investigations. Awards in each category will offer exciting prizes donated by dive and photographic industry sponsors that share our concern for the well-being of mantas. The event will also be enjoyable for not only for the contestants but also for all that view the exhibition. The photo contest will raise funds for important manta research, educational activities and will lead to an increased public awareness for the need to protect and conserve the majestic mantas. IMPORTANT FACTS The contest runs from June 15 through October 15, 2004 with entries to be submitted by September 15, 2004. The winners will be exhibited at the 2004 Dive Equipment Manufactures Association (DEMA) trade show in Houston, Texas, October 13-16, 2004. The panel of judges will review the entries and deliver the sealed winners to the Manta Network by October 1, 2004. The awards will be announced on October 14, 2004 at the DEMA Show and winners will be informed first by email and later via letter. The results of the competition will be posted immediately on the Manta Network’s website at: http://www.Save-The-Mantas.org/winners. An important part of the Manta Network ‘s efforts involves photographic and video identification of individual mantas. Dr. Robert Rubin, Pacific Manta Research Group, has been doing this type of research for several years and has developed classification guidelines which we plan to employ worldwide.

Photographs and video submitted as part of this contest will be used for marine research, environmental education and conservation purposes. By entering into the contest, the entrant agrees to donate materials for use in these specified purposes. The Manta Network promises to protect the original copyrights. If presented, materials will be displayed with the appropriate copyright identification of the owner. SUBMISSION CATEGORIES & FEES Professionals and amateurs are invited to submit as many entries as desired in any of the photography or video categories appropriate. A professional is defined as an individual that receives a portion of their annual income from media sales or licensing. The entry fee for a single entry in any category is $25.00. The submission fee for additional photographs is $10.00 each and $25.00 per video. The same image or video can not be entered into more than one category. The Manta Network is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on research and education on environmental issues concerning manta and related mobula rays. These activities are tax-exempt according to IRS regulations, so entry/submission fees can be claimed as donations to The Manta Network and are tax-deductible. Winners will be rewarded for their achievements with prizes, international publicity, an award ribbon and a certificate showing the winning entry. First, second and third places will be awarded in each category. Honorable mentions may also be awarded. Best of Show will be awarded for both photographs and video entries. The jury reserves the right not to make an award in any category and its decisions will be final.