First International Symposium on Mantas and Mobulids to be held in 2008 at the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) meeting in Montréal, Canada.

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.

The Manta Network has completely redesign this website to create a "global community" of individuals and organizations concerned about the well-being of Manta birostris and related rays.


We welcome any of your suggestion on building this community and improving this website.

Robert Aston Executive Director

(Bulletin Reprint)

Our third year of Photo-ID based research on the giant manta rays in the Sea of Cortez was a shocker. No mantas to photo and none to ID. None. In 2001, 22 mantas were cataloged using Photo-ID from the research site near Cerralvo Island. The following year 33 mantas in the same location, three of these had been sited the previous year, giving us a minimum population of 52 animals in two years.

In addition to the 3 individuals that returned from one year to the next, numerous mantas in each season exhibited site fidelity of 3 to 4 months with daily resights of these mantas by the research team. Local fisherman say mantas have been swimming here for as long as anyone can remember. Clearly this small seamount, had some significance for this population of mantas. But then they disappeared ? Where had they gone? What may have happened to them? With the help of Dr. Felipe Galvan of the Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias del Mar ,CICIMAR, we have spent the winter looking at several possibilities. Last year, 2003, the Sea of Cortez was hit by two hurricanes, Ignacio and Marty, over the span of two weeks in September. The hurricanes may have explained the absence of mantas in September and certainly decreased our ability to conduct surveys. However before and after the hurricanes the sea temperatures and conditions were similar to past years as recorded by the research team and CICIMAR. Another strong possibility would be the absence of food. Mantas consume planktonic animals, especially Euphasids. Krill is the best known example of this type of animal. The Sea of Cortez is home to four species of the genus Mobula, a close relative of the manta that eats the same prey. All four species were present in the Sea this past year and according to fisheries data, CICIMAR and observations by the research team the mobulas were in normal abundance. Prey must also be in normal abundance.

Fishing, accidental or deliberate, could account for some loss of population. Again we relied on Dr. Galvan whose graduate students monitor the fishing camps in the area for shark and ray catch. There was no increase in manta catch according to this data. However another possibility exists which is outside of our ability to monitor at this time. It has been reported that long-line fisherman may be catching the mantas to use as bait chunks on the thousands of hooks each boat deploys nightly in the Sea of Cortez. Some have suggested the increasing presence of divers at the research sight would chase away the mantas. We agree that aggressive divers who try to touch or ride the mantas may chase them from a location for an unknown period of time. However we never sighted mantas before the tourist season began last year and usually have several months of data before the sport divers arrive. Logically, if the divers were scaring away the mantas we would have seen some and then they would leave when the high season came for sport diving. Additionally the divers act as back-up for the research team informing us when they have seen mantas and many times have usable photos of the mantas they saw. Not one single sport diver from the six dive shops in the area reported seeing a manta last year. While we struggle to solve the mystery of last year we prepare for the 2004 season which begins in June. In past years this is the month when mantas have been first sighted. We welcome your participation in the project and thank you for your interest. Good News!

IEMANYA OCEANICA, a non-profit 501(c)3 based in California that conducts shark and ray research in the Sea of Cortez has partnered with Manta Mexico. This allows our research project to receive cash donations from the U.S. which will be tax-deductible for the donors. Donations in any amount should be sent to: IEMANYA OCEANICA C/O LALEH MITCHELL 5190 E. BROMELY DR. OAK PARK, CA 91377. Please attach a note explaining that donation is for Manta Mexico and the money will be passed on to the project and you will receive your tax deduction information from Ms. Laleh Mitchell of IEMANYA. For more information about IEMANYA OCEANICA and their work please visit www.IEMANYA.org on the internet. For questions or comments on this bulletin please write to mantamexico@hotmail.com

Sunday, August 1, 2004 A circle of scuba divers silently kneel 40 feet below on the ocean's rubbly bottom. Dense clouds of zooplankton swarm around their bodies as they shine their lights toward the surface. Engulfed in darkness, the divers wait for wings beneath the waves. Twenty minutes later, a large female manta ray named "Andrea" flaps in slow-motion above their heads. With an open cavernous mouth, she glides, pivots and somersaults into the clouds, feasting on the drifting microscopic creatures. Wide-eyed divers struggle to spotlight her. The beams of their lights follow Andrea's every twist and turn, trying to catch another glimpse of her before she eats and runs. Since the mid-1980s, dive boat operators on the Kona Coast have taken divers like these underwater to witness this nightly feeding ritual. In 2002, Big Island dive operators might have made over $2.5 million in combined revenues from the yearly 11,000 visitors viewing Hawaii's mantas, according to the state's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Although the dives' popularity and revenues increased over the years, the protection of Hawaii's mantas remained the same -- nonexistent. Not for long, said Tim Clark, scientific director of Manta Pacific Research Foundation, a Kona nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of mantas. The foundation is preparing to ask the Hawaii Legislature next year to enact a "No Kill, No Extraction" law, making it illegal to kill, capture or intentionally injure mantas in Hawaiian waters. There is no immediate fishing threat in Hawaii. "To make a law, there needs to be some kind of biological basis," said Walter Ikehara, Aquatic Resources Division program manager for the Department of Land and Natural Resources. "When it comes to pre-emptive measures, I hesitate to speculate what would become of it, especially since there are other things of high priority. Still, we would consider it and would very much like to see their research." Manta Meat Market Slaughter. This is the word Clark uses to describe what's happening in Mexico, Indonesia and the Philippines. He said fisheries are slowly annihilating entire manta populations. They catch enormous amounts of mantas in order to meet the growing demand for fresh or dried manta meat. Mexico banned manta fishing in 2000. Still, fishing continues at small camps because the ban isn't enforced. Clark estimated 500 mantas are caught there yearly for consumption. A market for dried gill rakers has developed in China. The rakers are ground into a powder and used to make traditional medicines. Indonesian fisheries supply this market as well as catch more than 1,500 mantas annually. There, a single manta sells for about $160. Gill plates costs $143 while manta skin is $5, Clark said. The increased market led to a rising fishing effort and a decline in manta populations in those areas. Fisheries fishing farther away proves their catches are dwindling, Clark said. "The level of fishing mantas can sustain is small," he said. "Our research shows they're poor species to fish. If mantas are continually exploited by these fisheries, they will be driven to extinction." The Philippines have felt the effects of manta fishing. In March 1998, fishing was banned but still practiced in the southern part of the country. The manta populations are now considered threatened. Fishermen changed occupations. They're eco-tourism guides searching for the remains of a once thriving population, Clark said. "These beautiful, majestic, gentle giants are being threaten by hunting," Clark said. "It's time we protect this species before it's too late. A live manta is worth more than a dead one." Uncloaking Kona's Population Since 2001, Clark has investigated the habitat use and feeding ecology of Hawaii's mantas. The research is not only for the foundation, but also for his University of Hawaii doctorate work. Monthly, he and other foundation members give public lectures called "Reef Talks" to local schools and community organizations. Clark has surveyed plankton and performed year-long tracking studies of Kona's manta population. He's "responsible for many 'firsts' in the current manta ray research field," such as proving there's "only one manta birostis species," according to http://www.mantapacific.org. In Spanish, manta means cloak, a well-chosen name for this underwater creature which is a member of the elasmobranch family of cartilaginous fish. This family includes sharks, according to http://www.divernet.com. Like basking sharks, mantas are filter feeders. Their teeth resemble sand paper. They consume about 12 percent of their weight (180 to 300 pounds) in plankton daily, Clark said. The largest manta was discovered in the Bahamas. It weighed more than 3,000 pounds and had a 22-foot wingspan. Hawaii's mantas, on the other hand, have a wingspan of 8-14 feet. When mantas are between the ages of 10-15, they reproduce. One female manta reportedly had three pups in seven years. So far, Clark hasn't found any data showing mantas have more than one pup every three years. His tracking data indicates Kona's manta population is a closed population, meaning no migration in or out of the Kona Coast. With the help of 12 volunteer UH interns, Clark tags mantas with an index finger size dart. They then follow the mantas in a 33-foot research vessel for five days. Clark also uses passive tags which last two years and are connected to 15 receivers on the Big Island. These receivers record location and depth.

He said there's 80 to 100 individual mantas using the coastline and going down to 300 feet daily. Some mantas stay 3-5 miles off Keahole Point, near the "garden eels dive site." Due to the low reproductive rate and limited dispersal, Clark is "pretty upset and worried" about mantas being fished. "Mantas cannot reproduce fast enough to replace the ones that are being fished out," he said. "Usually, when you're trying to sustain a fishery, you want something with a high turnover like shrimp, which reproduces 1,000 (offspring) per year. Mantas cannot sustain fisheries. Those, who chose not to believe this, are decimating entire populations of mantas." Manta Pacific Research Foundation co-founder Keller Laros, left, leads divers on an afternoon dive as manta ray "Cousteau" swims past. Manta Man Keller Laros is "Manta Man" -- at least, that's his nickname at Jack's Diving Locker. For 13 years, Laros, the foundation's co-founder, has taken photo IDs of Kona's mantas while leading weekly afternoon and night dives. He's done 5,405 dives and recorded about 85 mantas. His data suggests about 40 of those mantas are re-sighted yearly, proving the population is small. Laros began photographing and cataloging mantas because of "Lefty," a female manta with a broken left cephalic fin. Hanging unfurled and limp, the fin blocks half her mouth, which makes eating a challenge. Lefty was the first manta divers really got to know because she hung around them to feast, Laros said. Their underwater lights supplied her with an abundance of food. While on dives, Laros said he would constantly keep an eye out for her. He noticed the spots on mantas' chests varied. Shortly after, Laros began assigning names to the mantas to distinguish and keep track of them. Big Bertha, Sugar Ray, Baby Huey, Taz, and Cousteau are some of the mantas' names. Usually, the first diver to spot and capture the manta on film selects the name. "I've been diving for so long. Many of the mantas appeared as babies and I watched them grow up," Laros said. "I feel connected with them. They're unique individuals, not just another school of fish. Oftentimes, I'm like a worried parent. I'm with them for an hour and, the other 23, I hope they're not getting in trouble." Over the years, Laros and other local professional scuba divers have spotted "big, nasty fishing hooks" in mantas. While most hooks rust and eventually fall out, stainless steel hooks must be removed. It took a year and the combined effort of local divers to remove with pliers a hook from the face of a manta named "Vicky." She still has a scar, Laros said. Other mantas aren't so lucky, he added. Baby manta "Koey" had her cephalic fin cut off by a hook and fishing line. "It's an absolute shame and it breaks my heart," Laros said. "She was an immaculate beauty. But because of someone's carelessness, her fin hangs there, dead. It could have been prevented." Protection Plea Wounds like these are exactly what Manta Pacific wants to stop. Laros doesn't think people in Hawaii try to intentionally harm the mantas. "They just don't realize the potential harm they may be causing," he said. "People commonly think they're at a petting zoo when viewing the mantas. But touching them wipes off their protective mucus layer and causes red streaks to appear on their chests." In 1993, Kona's dive operators drafted six guidelines for people to follow while on manta dives. It was then certified by The Ocean Recreation Council of Hawaii and PADI's Project AWARE. The guidelines can be found at http://www.mantapacific.org. Recently, Clark helped mantas appear on the 2005 Red List, a list of species considered vulnerable or threatened by the scientific community. The list advises nations on which species they should consider protecting. "We felt it was time to start protecting the manta rays and the Red List is one step in that direction," he said. "The list affords them greater protection than they have at this time." In May, the foundation started a petition to show and gather support for a "No Kill, No Extraction" law. Until the end of the year, it will collect signatures at http://www.mantapacific.org and local dive shops. Before coming to the Big Island, Charles Galloway got his scuba certification in Austin, Texas. He heard diving with mantas was one of the top 100 things to do here. Before going on two dives July 16, he signed the foundation's petition. "The island is growing and it's time it plans ahead before it's too late," he said. Galloway watched four mantas hover overhead that night. One manta ray barrel-rolled in front of him with an open mouth, guiding plankton in with its unfurled mouth. "Until now, I had never seen a manta," he said after the dives. "They're pretty amazing. I'd like to see them protected; so, I can come back and see another one with my children."

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Special to West Hawaii Today: Nonprofit aims to protect Manta rays
Article by Carolyn Lucas
Reprinted with permission from West Hawaii Today
Contact: Brandon Kolp. He can be reached at 808-329-9311 ext. 255 or bkolp@westhawaiitoday.com

ANNOUNCING THE FIRST
INTERNATIONAL MANTA RAY PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST

The new non-profit worldwide organization, The Manta Network, is holding their first International Manta Ray Photo and Video Contest. Entries will be accepted starting June 15 through September 15 2004, culminating with an exhibition at the DEMA Show (Diving Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) October 13, 2004 in Houston, Texas. Here is a great way for both amateurs and professionals to share their prized photography and videos that captures those special moments spent underwater with the majestic manta rays. Winners will receive publicity, will be prominently exhibited at this well-attended trade show, will have their work displayed online and will be awarded a variety of wonderful prizes. The top two contestants will win a dive trip with the Kona Mantas and a stay at the beautiful Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. All inclusive dive packages will be provided by Bottom Time Hawaii. Each entry helps support The Manta Network, their ongoing research and educational purposes. Entry fees are considered a tax-deductible contribution. The organization is inviting everyone who is interested in helping with their mission to contact them, not only underwater photographers. They need volunteers of all types to help spread the word about "Saving the Day for the Manta Ray." <> PRESS CONTACT: Linda Bryer, 831-479-8725

(Kona Coast, HAWAII 06/10/04 11:50am) While motoring south towards Pine Trees Point after Dive 1 our captain, Ron Gittins, of Coral Reef Divers, noticed a large light blue patch of water from quite a distance. I immediately thought: "Whale Shark!" and geared up as we slowly passed by. Upon entering the water and descending, I was stunned to see two manta rays in what appeared to be an underwater "dog fight". Like one airplane chasing another, a male manta was hot on the trail of a large female. This chase took place in blue water about a half mile from shore off of the area surfers call "Pine Trees". In an effort to get pictures, I followed them down to 103 FSW.

I had seen males following females before, but had never seen an all out chase. The female was not "in the mood". Much of the time she used me as a shield in a futile attempt to out maneuver the male; often passing within inches of me. I had so much time underwater with them that I was able to review the digital images I acquired so I could check exposure and focus as I was shooting.

Unfortunately I had the wrong camera. I was using a small Canon digital still. It was definitely a wide angle situation most of the time. I would have preferred to have my digital video. The pictures don't do the experience justice. The "word" spread quickly and many boats arrived putting snorkelers in the water. They appeared to get a good show as well. After about 40 minutes, I did a long safety stop with my Stinger and Ron picked me up.

These were not the mantas we see on the night dive. They seemed quite a bit larger, perhaps 12 to 14 feet, fin tip to fin tip. The size of the male's claspers seemed to indicate some degree sexual maturity as did his aggressive following behavior, but I defer to our panel of experts for their interpretation of the imagery. He also had two large remoras located dorsally; some of the largest I have ever seen on any creature. The mantas intermittently deployed their cephalic fins, but I never saw them open their mouths. I wondered if in addition to a possible aid in feeding, those fins might transmit information concerning body position and movement of the creature. The male was never able to position himself in such a way to achieve copulation.

We quickly dubbed the male, "St. James" and the female, "Martina".

Please see the attached images.

James L. Wing
Kona Operations Manager
The Manta Connection
Big Island, Hawaii

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