MonicaIf you follow my Instagram (@genuinelyblue), you are probably aware about the fact that when I was in Bali I was lucky enough to go snorkelling & diving with manta rays. Being in the water with these beautiful species was something that had been on my bucket list for quite some time and I am beyond happy that I finally made it come true.
So I thought I would share with you this blog and tell you a little more about these majestic creatures: their characteristics, where to find them and how they are holding up whilst living in this threatened blue ocean.
-They are most often found in worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate bodies of water both offshore and in productive coastal areas.
-Until 2008, it was thought there were just one species of manta ray but they then discovered there are 2: the giant manta rays (Manta birostris) and the reef manta rays (Manta alfredi).
Reef mantas tend to live along coastlines in the Indo-Pacific and can reach a wingspan of 3-4m;
Oceanic mantas live in the world’s major oceans and can reach a wingspan of 8-9m;
-Each manta individual can be distinguished by their colour patterns, most times visible on their bottom side.
-Female manta rays hit sexual maturity at around eight to 10 years old and their pregnancy lasts about 12 to 13 months.
-Manta rays are known to move their cephalic lobes for feeding, but recent studies have said they are also used to sense the local environment and for social communication.
-Manta rays can live up to being 50 years old.
-Both species of manta rays are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, with their greatest threat being over-fishing.
-Manta Rays belong to a group of fish that are in a “constant state of perpetual motion”. This means that Mantas never stop swimming, and they need to stay on the move to survive because when swimming, water goes over their gills, which they use to extract oxygen from.
-In order to feed, the manta swims through the water with its paddle-like cephalic fins unfolding in front of the mouth in order to funnel plankton-rich water through their specially adapted gills.
-The natural birthing of a manta ray pup has never been recorded in the wild
Now, the ‘manta ray watching’ industry generates a lot of money for the countries involved, which is great, especially for the low-income ones however, it is always so important to do this respectfully & sustainably. How does that work?What can you do?
-Don’t chase after them.
-Don’t touch them.
-Don’t get in their way.
-If you see that there are a lot of people around one manta, move away and give them their space.
-Try to dive/snorkel with a company that respects and values the environment and marine life.
-After or before the dive, feel free to talk to the people on the trip with you about the importance of respecting marine life.
We have the opportunity to explore this incredible blue world, but we have to try our absolute best to do so by respecting marine life.
On top of the principles of being aware & respectful… the calmer and un-disturbing you are when in the water with marine life, the more they become curious and stick around. So you get to see more of them.
Its a win-win situation!
Respect & Enjoy.