Research Programs:
Mission Statement:
We perceive the world’s oceans and its living inhabitants to exist as a single complex of interactions that define life on earth. Four decades ago we began studying manta rays. We found this large charismatic animal to be curious, gentle, and of great interest to scientists and nonscientists alike. We embrace the uniqueness of manta and the knowledge that this remarkable species may contribute to a greater understanding of the sea and to enabling connections between members of our own species for the betterment of the planet. Our intention is to preserve and protect this amazing creature through continual scientific research, oceanic and species conservation, and worldwide education. For in our actions and wisdom lies the future of the Earth.
Photo Identification:
We welcome you to become a contributor to our project! Your help is invaluable, and your images will be used exclusively for scientific purposes. When used, we will credit your authorship and inform you about our scientific and conservation progress. To specify our uses of your images, please see our
Photographers Agreement Form.
Thank you for joining ourselves and others in efforts to understand, protect and conserve these "flying carpets of ebony silk."
Acoustic Tagging:
The use of acoustic tagging and subsurface receiver (coupled with photo ID) monitor relatively short animal movements between and among islands in both temporal and spatial patterns. Often such movements between adjacent islands have occurred within
a single day. Moreover, we have established long distant movements that exceed 600 kilometers, linking island habitats and the
Golfo de California, and distant locations along the southern coast of the mainland of México. There is reason to believe that
animals may travel much further North into the Golfo de California, and much further south as well. The establishment of these movements supports estimates of the extremes of the critical habitat for this species, which is vital for the delineation of oceanic corridors that require protection for mantas and other members of the same pelagic community, by regulation of the use of specific areas by ship and
boat traffic.
Citizen Science Trips:
Citizen Science expeditions allow participants to work in concert with marine biologists in researching wild populations of manta rays and other charismatic marine animals. These trips are lead by the director of the Pacific Manta Research Group and invited scientists, who provide research and learning opportunities for divers that are curious natural historians, interested in the ocean’s living beings, and concerned about the fate of the marine environment.
BEACONS OF HOPE:
PARQUE NACIONAL REVILLAGIGEDO