DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 31, 2004
Santa Cruz, California, October 10, 2004

The new non-profit worldwide organization, The Manta Network, is holding their First Annual International Manta Ray Photo and Video Contest. The deadline for entries has been extended to December 31, 2004 to allow us to promote the contest at the DEMA Show (Diving Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) October 13-16, 2004 in Houston, Texas. This will give more photographers an opportunity to learn about and enter the contest. Here is a great way for both amateurs and professionals to share photography and videography that captures those special moments spent underwater with the majestic manta rays. Winners will receive publicity, be prominently exhibited at this well-attended trade show, have their work displayed online, and be awarded a variety of exciting prizes. The top two contestants win a trip to go diving with the Kona Mantas and stay at the beautiful Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Diving is provided by Bottom Time Hawaii. A central goal of this International Contest is to create awareness of The Manta Network to become the source for all Manta information. Additional editorial, feature articles, graphics and scientific information are available for those wishing to write about this worthy cause. Research reports, website graphics, logos, photos of mantas and scientists to be interviewed are available. Please contact Robert Aston (Robert@mantas.org) or Linda Bryer, PR Director (Linda@mantas.org).

About The Manta Network This non-profit is the first International Organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of Manta birostris worldwide. Its mission includes the creation of a global network that will consist of manta researchers, sport divers, photographers, dive and tour operators, corporate sponsors and individuals who will all work together to further the efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The founder of The Manta Network, Robert Aston, M.S. Earth Sciences, has been dedicated to this cause for many years. He has been working closely with leading manta researchers since 1996 to collect information about Manta birostris populations. Legal counsel for The Manta Network is provided by Covington & Burling, one of the top global environmental law firms. HELP SAVE THE DAY FOR THE MANTA RAY Each entry helps support The Manta Network and its ongoing research and educational purposes. Entry fees are considered a tax-deductible contribution. The organization is inviting everyone interested in helping with its mission to be in contact. They need volunteers of all types to help spread the word about “Saving the Day for the Manta Ray.” Entries can be submitted either online or via regular mail. Contestants can obtain entry forms and official rules on-line at: http://www.Save-the-Mantas.org

PRESS CONTACT: Linda Bryer, 831-479-8725, linda@mantas.org