Manta Ray Conservation

Manta Rays [Manta Birostris] are the largest of the rays, reaching up to around 9 metres in width. Despite their size they are completely harmless and their inquisitive nature make close encounters a frequent and popular experience. Manta rays are planktivorous and feed exclusively on small suspended organisms in the water column. They are presumed to have a long lifespan and are known to give birth to a single offspring every 1-3 years.

Manta Rays are viewed by divers on a regular basis on local reefs, particularly at “cleaning stations” that they visit for up to 8 hours per day. Manta rays hover patiently on these stations while small fish remove parasites, dead skin and infected tissue from their external surfaces. These critical habitats, particularly the world famous Manta Reef, are prime candidates for marine protected environments as hundreds of manta rays make use of these sites each year. There is currently a petition circulating in Tofo and discussions on the establishment of marine protected areas to ensure the continued presence of these astounding creatures in this area. A steady decline in numbers of both Manta Rays and their smaller relatives, Devil Rays [Mobula spp.] has been noted at Manta Reef during the period 2003 to 2007. It is unclear whether this trend is a result of increased diving or the artisanal fisheries for Manta and Devil Rays along the adjacent coastline, and both these factors would benefit from a careful monitoring and management programme.

There is a definite and urgent need for protection of this coastline. The rapidly-developing tourism industry in Inhambane supports considerable infrastructural and community development. The large marine species that sustain this industry need to be carefully managed and protected to ensure that this growth continues. Neither Manta Rays nor Whale Sharks have any legal protection from human impact in Mozambican waters, and Manta Rays in particular are still subjected to large artisanal fishing pressure in certain locations. Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are most abundant within a narrow 20 square kilometre coastal corridor in Inhambane Province and most of the major diving reefs in Mozambique also fall within this corridor, presenting a well defined area that urgently needs to be protected from future exploitation.

This area is a world “hot spot” for threatened Whale Sharks as well as containing the world’s largest population of Manta Rays. Inhambane Province is the only location in the world where both these species are consistently seen all year round. Also found here are nesting beaches for several turtle species and breeding populations of other rare and incredible marine mammals such as humpback dolphins, humpback whales and the elusive and shy bowmouth guitarshark. Tofo is also home to the only known shallow water population of the largest stingray species in the world, the Smalleye Stingray.

Threats to Manta Rays in order of severity of impact are:

• Illegal fishing enterprises.
• Lack of protection from artisanal fishing
• Injuries and/or fatalities due net entanglement

What we do:

• We promote conservation initiatives in and around the Tofo population specifically but support and encourage conservation, research and education initiatives worldwide.
• We promote education and conservation of these ethereal creatures in order to learn and preserve these creatures, before their dwindling numbers lead to an irreversible impact.
• We are making them more valuable alive than dead.

What you can do:

• Report suspicious activities and document them with photos
• Dive with them, experience them and increase your knowledge so that you in turn can educate and teach others about these dancers of the ocean.