LEARN MORE ABOUT MANTA RAYS
To achieve this goal, the MMCP works to meet the following research objectives:
(1) To continue the ongoing programme of monitoring the numbers and identities of individually recognisable reef and oceanic manta rays (Mobula alfredi and Mobula birostris) in the Maldives and to ascribe to these individuals data on size, growth, maturity, scarring, reproductive activity and movement.
(2) To analyse the data from above in order to; assess the effective population size of the reef and oceanic manta rays; assess the apparent ranges and movements of these animals; assess the apparent turnover of the population (rates at which individuals join or leave the population), and relate this to the possible rates of recruitment and mortality; to determine the apparent rates of mortality (disappearance of individuals) in the population, and relate these to the rates and types of injury.
(3) To collect environmental data which might bear an influence on the numbers of manta rays observed.
(4) To collect plankton samples to assess manta rays’ prey composition and density fluctuation in order to further our understanding of reef manta rays’ dietary preferences, as well as assess the relative importance of key aggregations sites such as Hanifaru Bay MPA as a foraging ground for the Maldives manta ray population.
(5) Record any signs of reproductive activity among manta rays at key study areas, or any other site in the Maldives, including any indications of courtship or mating behaviour and the appearance of pregnancy or mating scars in female manta rays.
(6) Evaluate the social dynamics and behaviour of an unfished population of manta rays in the Maldives.
(7) To continue to record the extent to which snorkelers/divers appear to alter the behaviour of the manta rays and to assess positive and negative impacts.
(8) To monitor anthropogenic pressures - accounting for direct effects (boat/ propeller strikes, fishing line entanglement) and indirect effects (noise pollution) on manta rays.
INCREASE APPRECIATION & PROTECTION
To achieve this goal, the MMCP works to meet the following conservation objectives:
(1) Continuously assess any threats to the reef manta ray population and their habitat, by monitoring tourism activities at key aggregation sites and recording incidences of targeted or accidental injury.
(2) Continue to record the extent to which tourists appear to alter the behaviour of the manta rays or impact their welfare and the extent to which guidelines for wildlife tourism are being observed or neglected.
(3) Push for the implementation of national protective legislation for manta rays and their key aggregation sites within the Maldives.
DRIVE CONSERVATION LOCALLY
To achieve this goal, the MMCP works to meet the following capacity-building objectives:
(1) Provide educational outreach for Maldivian children and young adults on the environmental issues facing their communities and engage them with conservation solutions.
(2) Increase our work on inhabited islands, ensuring that all MMCP conservation initiatives benefit Maldivian communities, and benefit from their vital local knowledge.
(3) Provide training, mentorship and job opportunities for Maldivians who want to work in marine research and conservation.
