RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS

Definitive migration studies of manta rays have yet to be conducted. Initial results from both The Manta Network's population studies and interviews with dive operators from around the world, indicate that there are several important areas where to study manta rays. These areas are shown in the interactive map below. Some of these areas have been initially surveyed. Areas such as Hawaii (Kona), Micronesia (Yap) and the Eastern South Pacific (Archipelago de Revillagigedo) have had more routine investigations. Even with all this work, the manta's migration patterns and range remain unknown.

Click on the locations above to find out the details of each expedition. Read about the Adopt-A-Manta Program to learn how you can help sponsor these important expeditions.

Over the next 3-4 years, The Manta Network intends to organize and lead expeditions to all these ten target research areas. Photo identification, tagging, and DNA tissue sampling may yield the answers to many of the migration questions.

Join the Expedition -- You can accompany manta researchers on tagging and other projects. Space will be made available to dive with the researchers on various Pacific and Indian Ocean expeditions. Donation: $1,000.00 plus the cost of the travel and diving.

Site #1 : Mozambique

Site #2 : Maldives

Site #3 : Indonesia

Site #4 : Phillipines

Site #5 : Papua New Guinea

Site #6 : Micronesia

Site #7 : Australia

Site #8 : French Polynesia

Site #9 : Hawaii

Site #10 : Eastern South Pacific

Site #1 : Mozambique Large numbers of manta rays have been seen here. Jean-Pierre Botha of Marine Dynamics will be hosting a group of biologists in March 2003 and again in March 2004.

Site #2 : Maldives This is a popular tourist destination with a large resident manta population. Situated in the upper Indian Ocean, this sample site will be important in determining the manta's range.

Site #3 : Indonesia A number of factors makes this area important including recent increases in manta harvesting and the identification of major migration channels. Both Antony Rhodes of the Karau Cruises and Matthew Hedrick of Dive Asia Pacific, Ltd. have expressed interest in participating in the manta tagging program.

Site #4 : Phillipines This area has recently experienced increases in manta harvesting. We have not yet identified local area participants.

Site #5 : Papua New Guinea Each Spring, Rob Van Der Loos of the MV Chertan has witnessed large numbers in the excess of 200 mantas. This large grouping will be a target for the tagging program. Mr. Van Der Loos has expressed interest in participating in the program.

Site #6 : Micronesia Large numbers of manta rays have been seen in Yap and Palau. Manta cleaning stations in Yap are considered major tourist attractions. The Ocean Hunter Palau is interested in providing assistance in the sampling program.

Site #7 : Australia Over the last 4-5 years, John Rumney of the Undersea Explorer have successfully promoted the concept of eco-tourism. Their resident marine biologists routinely conduct tagging programs with marine life. With the assistance of The Manta Network, Mr. Rumney is now planning to include manta rays in their eco-tourism program.

Site #8 : French Polynesia Mantas range throughout French Polynesian islands. It is not know if local population are permanently reside of move between islands. We have not yet identified local area participants.

Site #9 : Hawaii The Pacific Manta Foundation is now conducting detailed research in conjunction with Dr. Tim Clark, University of Hawaii. This site is important in that it will provide more in-depth analysis of resident verses migratory manta behavior.

Site #10 : Eastern South Pacific From the Sea of Cortez south past the Archipelago de Revillagigedo and Cocos Island, down to the Galapagos, this area of the Eastern Pacific is known for large numbers of mantas. Although in-depth identification have been conducted in the sea of Cortez and Archipelago de Revillagigedo, migratory patterns have not been established. The Cortez Club in Baja and Nemo Galapagos have expressed interest in participating.