Maldives Manta Conservation Programme Celebrates Identification of 1,000th Oceanic Manta Ray
FUVAHMULAH, MALDIVES - The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP), the founding project of the Manta Trust, proudly announces the identification of the 1,000th oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) in the Maldives waters. This remarkable milestone highlights the collaborative efforts and dedication of the conservation community towards understanding and safeguarding these magnificent creatures.
Sightings contributing to this milestone have been meticulously collected by the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme through direct research field seasons, citizen science submissions, and the fantastic support of local dive centres. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of community engagement in marine conservation efforts.
Oceanic manta rays, now classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, face significant threats from targeted and bycatch fisheries. The identification of the 1,000th individual serves as a beacon of hope for this endangered species. The Maldives now hosts the largest recorded population of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) and the third largest recorded population of oceanic manta rays in the world.
Despite this success, in neighbouring Sri Lanka, home to the world's largest mobulid fisheries, local project, and Manta Trust affiliate Blue Resources Trust estimates that up to 1,000 manta rays are landed annually. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the conservation challenges facing manta ray populations.
Remarkably, most of the sightings contributing to this milestone originate from Fuvahmulah Atoll in the southern region of the Maldives. This single, sub-equatorial atoll comprises just one of the 1,200 islands that make up the Maldives yet has accounted for over 85% of the sightings of oceanic mantas in the archipelago. Famed for its tiger shark dive, this pelagic island is a magnet for a variety of large marine animals.
"To celebrate this significant milestone, the Manta Trust's RahVeshi Programme recently co-hosted a celebration evening with the Fuvahmulah City Council," said Fauz Fath-hee, RahVeshi Programme Coordinator of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme. "During the event, we had education stalls and manta themed games, live music by local artist Shiuz, and at the end one fortunate individual won the chance to name the 1,000th identified manta ray, and it has been affectionately named Anbu, meaning mango in the Maldivian language Dhivehi."
While celebrating this achievement, it is imperative to recognize the ongoing need for continued research and conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of oceanic manta rays. The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme remains committed to advancing scientific understanding and implementing effective conservation strategies to protect these iconic marine species.
Images by: Simon Hilbourne and Jasmine Corbett
Contact: Simon Hilbourne
Maldives Oceanic Manta Project Leader
The Manta Trust / Maldives Manta Conservation Programme
simon@mantatrust.org