Divers assist in manta ray research

by Howard Spencer on 19 Mar 2012 Northern NSW divers are contributing to the success of the Project Manta research program being conducted in eastern Australia by reporting sightings of tagged rays in Cape Byron Marine Park.

A manta ray with a Project Manta acoustic telemetry tag was recently photographed by a local dive master at Julian Rocks and Cape Byron Marine Park staff are continuing to provide photographs of manta rays to the research effort.

Project Manta researcher, Lydie Couturier, said that manta ray individuals can be recognised by looking at the spot pattern on their bellies. 'It is like a fingerprint and is different for each manta,' Ms. Couturier said.

'Project Manta uses a combination of techniques including: photo identification, acoustic telemetry, satellite tracking, oceanography and plankton investigation to learn more about these ocean wanderers. '

'Community-support has allowed for major discoveries, including the biggest migration recorded for this species of manta ray - Manta alfredi - which has been shown to travel more than 500 km between Lady Elliot Island and Byron Bay.'

'Project Manta heavily relies on public involvement to monitor the migration and aggregation sites of manta rays along the coast.'

Cape Byron Marine Park ranger, Dave Maguire said that manta rays are regularly sighted in the marine park, particularly in the vicinity of Julian Rocks.

'Manta rays are gentle giants and they don’t have a barb on their tail,' Mr. Maguire said.

'They are one of the biggest fish in the world, but feed on plankton, the smallest creatures of the ocean.'

'The manta rays are seasonal visitors that are a part of the incredible diversity of marine life found in Cape Byron Marine Park.'

'They are an inquisitive fish and will often approach divers.'

'It is important not to touch or ride the manta rays as it would remove the thin protective mucus from their skin and could cause injury.'

Divers can be involved with Project Manta and contribute to the conservation and protection of manta rays and their habitat by sharing their manta ray photos and completing a sighting report at project.manta@uq.edu.au.

'It is fantastic to see local businesses such as Sundive and Byron Bay Dive Centre working in partnership with the community and researchers for the benefit of these majestic animals,' Mr. Maguire said.

While the manta season is near its end, photographers who have already captured images they want to submit need to make sure that for each photo, the date, location and name of the photographer is provided.

If a new individual is identified from contributed photographs, the photographer will be able to name the mantas pictured.

For more information contact project.manta@uq.edu.au, or visit Facebook 'Project Manta - The manta rays of eastern Australia' or visit the website.

For more information on the Cape Byron Marine Park, visit www.mpa.nsw.gov.au.