Issue 54 - November 2019

Manta rays form social bonds with each other, study shows

Manta rays form social relationships and actively choose their social partners, a new study has revealed. Research published today by scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Macquarie University, the University of Papua, and the University of York is the first to describe the structure of social relationships in manta rays.

Melanistic reef mantas social feeding © Rob Perryman

Sharks and rays are often thought to be solitary creatures, but reef manta rays typically form groups at shallow-water feeding and cleaning sites. The researchers studied the structure of more than 500 of these groups over five years, in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Marine Park, one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on Earth. They found two distinct but connected communities of rays living together. These social communities were quite differently structured, one being made up of mostly mature female rays, and the other a mix of males, females and juveniles.

“We still understand very little of how mantas live their lives, but we know they are socially interactive, and these interactions seem important to the structure of their populations. Understanding social relationships can help predict manta ray movements, mating patterns and responses to human impacts. That’s essential for conservation and ecotourism efforts,” said lead author Rob Perryman, a researcher for Marine Megafauna Foundation and PhD student at Macquarie University.

Manta ray swimming over the coral

The study, published in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology used social network analysis to show that manta ray communities contain a web of many weak acquaintances, with some stronger, longer-lasting relationships. Though they do not live in tight-knit social groups, the team noticed that female mantas tend to make long-term bonds with other females, while males did not have many strong connections. This could be due to different reproductive strategies or dispersal patterns.

“Like dolphins, manta rays are intelligent and perform collective behaviors such as foraging and playing. They are curious, often approaching humans, and individuals appear to have different personalities. It turns out that reef manta rays actively choose to group with preferred social partners,” Perryman added.

To identify social structures, the researchers took identification photos of all rays present in each group, and monitored whether individuals were more likely to be seen together (at different times and in different locations) than expected if encounters were random.

The locations used by the rays seemed to be important to their social relations. Manta rays form groups at cleaning stations where they are attended to by cleaner wrasse and other small fish. The team observed that certain social groups were regularly seen together at these sites, and so may be using them as social meeting points. Some rays had very strong affinity to certain cleaning stations. The researchers were surprised to find this given the close proximity of all sites and that mantas are generally mobile and wide-ranging animals. They concluded that the rays left and returned to preferred sites where they formed groups through a ‘fission-fusion’ social process.

Like many sharks and rays, manta rays are internationally threatened animals and population declines have been reported in various locations worldwide. They are hunted for their valuable gill plates used in traditional Chinese medicine. Other anthropogenic threats include injuries or entanglement in discarded nets and lines, pollution and habitat destruction.

Mantas swimming at the Ridge of the reef

Mantas at Ridge copyright Rob perryman

It is important to find the right balance between preserving a species and encouraging sustainable wildlife viewing that brings economic benefits. “Knowing how mantas interact is important, particularly in areas where they are susceptible to increasing dive tourism,” said Dr Andrea Marshall, co-founder and principal scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation. “The increasing number of boats and scuba divers around reef mantas in Raja Ampat, particularly at cleaning stations, could break apart their social structures and have impacts on their reproduction.”

Manta Arda, sighting at Manta Ridge on 03.03.18 (ID)

Dr. Ricardo F. Tapilatu, a co-author working at the University of Papua and the main Indonesian counterpart for the project said: “Pristine marine environments such as the manta ray aggregation sites in Raja Ampat are of increasing interest to tourists. This collaborative research is set in the extremely biodiverse region of the Coral Triangle, located in the Indo-Pacific, where we set up science-based conservation management for such unique natural systems.”

In Indonesia, manta rays are protected since 2014 but artisanal fishing remains an issue, and there is still little awareness of the threats they face. The team hopes that showing the social nature of manta rays will help broaden support and public enthusiasm for their protection around the world.

“Collecting more information about their social relationships and structures will be needed to develop sustainable ecotourism and conservation initiatives that allow mantas to coexist with humans in their natural habitats,” concluded Perryman.

This research was supported by Papua Explorers Dive Resort, Raja Ampat SEA Centre, University of Papua and Barefoot Conservation, and carried out under a RisTek-Dikti permit.

Social relationship in reef manta rays

The study by Rob Perryman et al, titled ‘Social preferences and network structure in a population of reef manta rays’ is published in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology on 22 August 2019 and will be available here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-019-2720-x

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Issue 54 - November 2019

Giacomo Abrusci Blue Ambassador of the Year Award Recipient

Giacomo Abrusci, the recipient of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Blue Ambassador of the Year Award exemplifies significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer-related activities.

Nearly everyone in the ocean conservation community is familiar with SEVENSEAS Media. What most people do not know is that the entire organization was founded by, and is run by one volunteer individual, Giacomo Abrusci. For nearly 5 years he has tirelessly dedicated his time to elevating our community by providing a grassroots outlet for individuals to network, tell stories, share professional development and career opportunities, and even take part in networking events and beach cleanups. With 30k monthly visitors to his site and subscribers in 174 countries, Giacomo is single-handedly strengthening the capacity of the ocean conservation community by building bridges with his free resource.

Through SEVENSEAS Media, Giacomo provides tens of thousands with news and career resources, he gives an outlet for hundreds of organizations to share their good work and fundraise, and he offers virtual and in-person opportunities for direct action.

Giacomo does all this, as a volunteer, for free. Honoring him with the Blue Ambassador of the Year Award not only acknowledges his efforts but brings attention to SEVENSEAS Media where others within our community can get involved, support, or benefit from the resource.

Learn more about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go Blue Awards here.

If you would like to get involved or have ideas to collaborate, email giacomo at sevenseasmedia.org.

Issue 54 - November 2019

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – November 2019 – Issue 54

SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Magazine cover November 2019

Giacomo Abrusci Recipient of the Blue Ambassador of the Year Award

The recipient of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Blue Ambassador of the Year Award exemplifies significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer-related activities. Read more…

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Manta rays form social bonds with each other, study shows

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Conquering the Pacific Ocean: The Final Exam

A licensed sea caption and experienced rower, Lia has conquered some of the world’s most hostile stretches of water. But her next expedition is bigger and more challenging than anything she has ever attempted. In April 2020, Lia will attempt a solo, unsupported crossing of the Pacific Ocean and if successful, she’ll be the first person to ever achieve it. Read more…

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Dive Deep Into The Indian Ocean With “Ocean Encounters”

Corals reefs, pods of dolphins, tropical fish, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and majestic manta rays will swim through Shangri-La’s European properties this autumn as part of the “Ocean Encounters” photographic exhibition created by Greg Lecoeur. Read more…

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Profit Over Safety: Ecotourism Gone Wrong?

It’s dark, you are gearing up for a once in a lifetime dive. You descend to a sand patch surrounded by coral, the whole area lit up like a stage. The show is about to begin. Read more…

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Cooperative in Cuba Turns Plastic Waste Into Lumber

Like other countries, Cuba is dealing with plastic pollution that has washed up on its beach shores and river basins. A group of industrious people in western Matanzas province, some 100 kilometers from Havana, is collecting and recycling plastic waste. They are members of the cooperative A-3, which produces plastic lumber from recycled plastic waste. Read more…

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Egypt Implements Environmenttal Standards to Protect Coral Reefs

The Reef-World Foundation and Chamber of Diving & Watersports (CDWS) are pleased to announce Egypt is adopting Green Fins environmental standards to protect its coral reefs. Read more…

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Missed the climate strikes? Try These 8 ways to save the oceans

As the threat of climate change continues, millions of people around the world are taking to the streets to protest about climate change and urge governments to take action now. Read more…

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Midnight Canibalism Takes Top Award at Yap’s Annual MantaFest 2019

Long after sunset, 35 feet down and miles offshore, a squid stalks in the inky darkness of the Yap Trench in the western Pacific Ocean. With a lightning fast strike, it captures its prey in a forceful act of cannibalism. The split seconds that unfolded in this drama of one squid catching and devouring another of the same species was captured by blackwater diver/photographer Sheila Ott of Switzerland. Read more…

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Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, November 2019

a black and white picture of humback whale swimming in the deep ocean

A baby humpback whale passes beneath me, playfully turning and rolling in the warm waters of Tong) where south pacific humpbacks come to breed, socialize, and birth their calves. See the picture

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Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

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54 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 22,000 subscribers, over 30,000 monthly visitors…and growing. Read more…

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Experience Shell Beach Protected Area

Guyana is an eco-tourist’s dream destination where sustainability is not a tagline, it is a way of life. Every time you leave the capital city of Georgetown, you will find yourself immersed in a unique adventure, sometimes wild and rugged, and at other times simply relaxing and serene. Read More…

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St. Lucia Coral Spawning

We patiently hover just above the reef in complete darkness, only occasionally illuminating the reef with our dive lights. We are here to see if this annual, natural event is actually going to happen. It’s not a given that it will. It is thought that only a certain alignment of the moon and the tide plus perhaps the water temperature will trigger this initial stage of new life on the reef. Read more…

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How whale poop is saving the oceans

Whales are much-loved by ocean fans around the world for their unique personalities, haunting song and sheer size. Yet few people realise the vital role whales play in supporting ocean health and minimising the impacts of climate change. These incredible cetaceans are able to modify the environment around them and do so with their faecal cycles. Read more…

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Swimming the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Ben Lecomte

Mankind is producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year with 50 percent of it being for single-use purposes. More than 8 million tons of that same plastic is being dumped in our ocean where it will exist for several hundred years. Read more…

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Rhinopias Scorpionfish in Ambon Indonesia! Jack’s November Underwater Photograph

a purple fish swimming and hiding next to the coral

The Rhinopias is one of the most searched fish in the world. This rare species is described as the ‘Holy Grail’ of underwater photography and tops the list of weird and strange creatures – called critters – that can be found. They even belong to the top attractions in the few places on the world where they can be seen! Read more…

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Climate Change Can be Reversed – If We Act Now

“For the first time in recorded history, humans are changing the planet in ways that endanger our basic life support systems,” warn award-winning economist Graciela Chichilnisky and business leader Peter Bal in their new book REVERSING CLIMATE CHANGE (World Scientific Publishing; December 2019). Read more…

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The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

For 15 years the Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post has been email round-up of events, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation. Learn more and subscribe free!

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SEVENSEAS FEATURED TRAVEL

Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

Susan Bruce Travel

We’ve been traveling, advising clients, and planning trips across the globe for over 30 years. We help you explore amazing places and people — from mountain sanctuaries in Bhutan to the jungles of Peru. Learn more…

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Oceanic Society Expeditions.

A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats. More info.

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Alelí Tours Puerto Rico

Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico. More info.

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Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses. More info.

Marine Megafauna Foundation

Our mission is to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions, working towards a world where marine life and humans thrive together. Read more… More info.

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Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive. More info.

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Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger. More info.

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SEE Turtles

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles. More info.

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Scuba Junkie Dive Centers

A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more. More info.

Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides… More info.

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Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. More info.

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Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world. More info.

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Alnitak Conservation in Action on Volunteer Expeditions

Alnitak is a grassroots marine science organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in our oceans. From May through to October, we run expeditions to survey the rich waters in the Balearic Sea, inviting any ocean enthusiasts to join us on board. Our expeditions take place in the stunning Cabrera National Park and the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. Read more…

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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Issue 54 - November 2019

Six Blue Parks Join the Growing Network of Global Ocean Refuges

Blue Park Awards Presented to Marine Protected Areas that Meet the Highest Standards of Marine Life Protection

Our Ocean Conference in Oslo, Norway, Marine Conservation Institute and its international science council awarded six outstanding marine protected areas (MPAs) Blue Park designation. A total of 16 MPAs now hold the prestigious Blue Park Award indicating that they meet the highest science-based standards for marine life protection and management. The Blue Park Award recognizes outstanding efforts by nations, non-profits, MPA managers, and local stake-holders that effectively protect marine ecosystems now and into the future.

“Our goal is to recognize those MPAs that deliver on biodiversity conservation, really protecting our ocean environment and inspiring others around the world to strongly protect at least 30% of the ocean’s most important places by 2030,” said Dr. Lance Morgan, President of Marine Conservation Institute. “Blue Park recognition provides regional examples of successful efforts and serves as a road map for others as we strive to protect our oceans for generations to come.”

After months of rigorous review by Marine Conservation Institute and an independent scientific panel, today’s announcement welcomes the following Blue Parks to a growing network of global ocean refuges (See this link for detailed information on each Blue Park and the system of parks: https://marine-conservation.box.com/s/xfh3bs9tn0ydh2c45vkdzq5vrz367l7p.)

Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve, Seychelles, size in 2,559 km² and 988 mi²
Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto, Italy, size in 22 km² and 9 mi²
Arnavon Community Marine Park, Solomon Islands, 169 km² and 65 mi²
Marine Protected Areas around the Northern Channel Islands, California, USA, 3,804 km² and 1,469 mi²
Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, 2,011 km² and 777 mi²
Reserva Marina de Galápagos, Ecuador, 138,000 km² and 53,282 mi²

Total Area for 2019 Blue Park Awardees is 146,565 km² and 56,590 mi²

“Blue Parks are the antidotes to the barrage of threats to life in our oceans,” said Dr. Sarah Hameed, Senior Scientist of Marine Conservation Institute. “MPAs may not be able to stop climate change impacts immediately, but strong protected areas in the right places today will enable ecosystems to recover and build resilience for the future.”

An international council of marine scientists evaluates MPAs nominated for the Blue Park Award and determines which ones meet the standards. The Blue Park Award criteria are based on what scientists have learned about what works to safeguard marine ecosystems. The evaluation of each nominee includes location, design, management, regulations and compliance to select MPAs that effectively protect the world’s most valuable and critical ecosystems.

“This is a time of great peril for ocean life as it faces off against increasing marine industrialization and climate change,” said Professor Douglas McCauley of UC Santa Barbara, Director of the Benioff Ocean Initiative and a member of the international science council for Blue Parks, “Blue Park Awards are shining a light on protected areas that are leading efforts to protect marine biodiversity and help promote resiliency to climate change impacts.”

A growing number of countries and conservation organizations are encouraging the creation of hundreds of new protected areas to reach the world’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) of protecting 10% of our oceans by 2020 and the proposed goal of at least 30% by 2030. Marine Conservation Institute is working to ensure as many MPAs as possible meet the high conservation standards of Blue Parks.

“Many of today’s marine protected areas are not effectively protecting the best places,” continued Dr. Hameed. “They’re often ‘paper parks’ appearing to meet commitments but lacking substance. Achieving a Blue Park Award requires meeting science-based standards we know will protect the oceans for generations to come. If we elevate and bring recognition to Blue Parks, we believe it will encourage more countries and leaders to meet this critical standard going forward.”

Today’s 6 winners join 10 prestigious 2017 & 2018 awardees. The network now includes 16 Blue Parks covering 1,669,388 km² or 644,404 mi² of ocean (approximately the size of Alaska or Iran, or 3 times the size of Kenya). These outstanding marine protected areas are securing lasting protection for marine biodiversity and their hard-won recognition has already inspired others to work towards a Blue Park Award. Nominations for the 2020 awards can be made through mid-March. Visit blueparks.org to find out how your marine protected area can become a Blue Park.

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