Manta rays are the world’s largest ray, with a disk width of up to seven meters. These gentle giants attract considerable interest from the public and have long been subject to commercial fishing. Earthwatch has been working with university partners such as University of Queensland and Murdoch University in Western Australia on tracking and recording mantas along the east and west coast of Australia.
The research project invites the public to dive and take photos of the underbelly of these majestic creatures. Each manta has a unique pattern on it underbelly and therefore we have created a database of knowledge about mantas behaviours and movements, previously unknown.
By contributing to this project you will be helping the protection of mantas, so future generations can one-day experience their beauty for themselves.
Contribute to two essential elements of this project:
http://au.earthwatch.org/expeditions/mantas-and-sharks-of-ningaloo-reef