Manta and devil rays are known as mobulids and are some of the most amazing creatures that inhabit tropical and subtropical waters around the world. These species are gentle creatures that are harmless to humans. They don´t have a sting and they feed on plankton! Some of the greatest threats that manta and devil rays face worldwide are overfishing, climate change, and marine pollution. Just recently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recategorized the status of some of the mobulid species from Vulnerable to Endangered and Data Deficient to Vulnerable on their Red List. To learn more, click here:
Mexican waters host six of the ten recognized mobulid species in the world. In the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula in eastern Mexico, the Manta Caribbean Project (MCP), an affiliate project of the Manta Trust (MT)and Océanos Vivientes (OV), conducts research on mobulids across four Marine Protected Areas (MPA). In 2019, all mobulid rays were listed as species under Special Protection in NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. This is the Mexican legislation for species at risk of extinction, meaning that it is now a state responsibility to safeguard these vulnerable and endangered species. The MCP, OV and MT, have worked in close collaboration with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), the government entity in charge of the management activities within MPAs in Mexico, to develop specific conservation strategies for mobulids that ensure the long-term safeguarding of mobulid rays.
The Manta Caribbean Project was founded in 2013 by Karen Fuentes, and registered as a Mexican non-profit in June 2015, with an approach revolving around the three pillars of research, conservation, and education. The core team supporting Karen consists of five wonderful women from around the world, contributing different skills to create a solid team for the Manta Caribbean Project: Valentina, Annie, Bex, Aly and Brit. As a group we are stronger together. We also consider many others part of our manta team including the captains, fishermen, deckhands, local guides, rangers, volunteers, our donors, and partners that contribute in different ways to our local research and conservation efforts.
Our study area covers four MPAs in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula where we are working to better understand several aspects of manta ray ecology and biology, including habitat use and population dynamics, plus the exciting study of what we believe be a third species of manta ray. Currently, there are two described manta ray species: the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris). The Caribbean’s oceanic manta population have some different morphological characteristics and behave differently to other populations, appearing to occupy the same niche as reef manta rays. However, further research needs to be undertaken to determine if they are indeed a new species; the Caribbean Manta Ray (Mobula cf. birostris).
Some of the research we undertake includes:
- Drone surveys (a non-invasive method for measuring mobulid rays and observing their behaviour).
- ID DATABASE (each manta has a unique spot pattern on their belly that help us to identify each individual).
- CTD measurements (collecting environmental data).
- Aerial Surveys (to register mantas and devil ray distribution within the expansive MPAs).
- Microplastic research
- Ghost gear project
- Bycatch project
Conservation activities:
- Participation in annual environmental festivals and events.
- Capacity building and training for local communities.
- Collaboration with other non-profit organizations and initiatives locally and globally.
- Creation of outreach materials to raise awareness about mobulid rays.
We use our scientific expertise to support effective community-led management of critical habitat for mantas and devil rays in this region. Through local capacity building, enhanced educational opportunities and increasing community awareness of mobulids and blue issues, we inspire a variety of stakeholders to share our long-term vision of sustainable eco-tourism within MPAs in the northern part of Yucatan´s Peninsula.
Our strategy prioritizes projects focused on learning more about key threats to mobulids such as bycatch, climate change and marine pollution. For example, we have collaborated with The 5 Gyres Institute to learn more about microplastics within the local MPAs, and became members of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, working with local communities to address abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear. By gaining a better understanding of the key drivers of mobulid decline, we hope to guide the development of more sustainable livelihoods in this region, providing local communities with a greater economic incentive to protect mobulids.
From my perspective, an organization that aims to truly generate change must understand the local community’s needs, build relationships based on trust, make space for respectful conversations, and always take into consideration the traditions and culture of native people.
I believe that together it is possible to address threats to biodiversity by enhancing community engagement, public and private sector participation, and government support and commitment for effective conservation measures for the Mexican Caribbean’s manta and devil rays.
For more information about the mobulid rays regionally and global check:
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media