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Project Manta Ray | Oceans Research
Project Manta Ray aims to investigate impacts of divers on cleaning stations utilised by Manta Rays aswell as on pristine reefs. Diving tourism is a growing industry, and is highly dependent on the healthy condition of its natural resource base.
There is, however, strong concern that intensive use of marine ecosystem for SCUBA diving has resulted in a loss of biodiversity and the non-sustainability of eco-tourism sectors. In Mozambique this concern is real, particularly in the marine mega fauna diving industry, such as with manta rays, which are one of the main marine attractions to southern Mozambique. Project manta ray aims to address shortfalls in the current understanding of the impact that commercial eco-tourism has on the integrity of marine ecosystems.
Zavora Marine Lab will only conduct research with required permit approval from relevant Mozambican authorities.
The project is headed by, Brazilian marine scientist Yara Tibirica at Zavora Marine Lab, Mozambique.
Project Manta Ray:
Population Research Projects
Population Composition
Use of underwater photo-identification, parallel lasers to establish population estimates and composition data on manta rays utilising Zavora Bay.
Megafauna population distribution
Collaborative research with the foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna (particularly manta rays and whale sharks) using photo-identification techniques to enhance understanding of species distribution, regionally and globally.
Relative population abundance of humpback whales (June to November)
Direct estimation of the total abundance of humpback whale population using the Zavora area falls outside the scope of this study. Daily visual estimates of cetacean group sizes (the number of individuals and relative location within the bay) will show patterns in relative abundance throughout the year.
Fish & nudibranch assessment
Additionally, the lab has complementary studies on fish and nudibranchs diversity. One of the major interest is the presence/absence description throughout the year of the biggest and rarest ray in the world: the small eyed stingray which has been filmed alive only in Inhambane province. Besides new species of Nudibranchs have been discovered at the Zavora bay.
Project Manta Ray:
Behavioural Research Projects
No Behavioural research projects active at present
Project Manta Ray:
Physiological Research Projects
No physiological research projects active at present
Project Manta Ray:
Ecological Research Projects
Reef Monitoring
Using standardised coral reef monitoring protocols (Reef Check Moçambique) which include video transect survey, the project aimes at monitoring the long term impact of diver presence on reef structure and create baseline information to future management
Diver-Manta Ray Impacts
Use of direct observation and standardized techniques to collect divers impacts in the presence and absence of manta rays.
Sea turtle monitoring (December to March)
Collaborative project aimed at identifying turtle nesting areas allowing local authorities to enforce and improve protective measures to guarantee a future to those species.
Project Manta Ray:
Socioeconomics Research Projects
Educational eco-cinema project
A creative educational project at the local school combining filming, open arena cinema and environmental activities for villagers to encourage the engagement of local community on marine conservation and foster the education of young children in remote areas such as Zavora.
Educational lecture for divers and fishermen
Making divers and fisherman aware about the fragility of marine ecosystems is paramount for conserving those ecosystems, both for recreational and commercial exploitation.
Project Manta Ray:
Past Research Projects
No past research projects.