Satellite Tracking of Manta Rays Highlights Challenges to Their Conservation
The real-time movements of the giant manta ray (Manta birostris), the largest ray species with a disc width of over 6 meters, have been described through satellite tracking. Manta rays are among the least understood marine mega-vertebrates, and their environmental preferences and movements have been a subject of limited research. Classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they face threats from direct and incidental capture, contributing to population declines.
Satellite tracking has revealed that manta rays are associated with seasonal upwelling events and thermal fronts off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They exhibit short-range movements, shuttling between these areas for foraging purposes. The majority of their locations were recorded in waters shallower than 50 meters, indicating a preference for thermally dynamic and productive environments.
Despite remaining within the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone throughout tracking, only a small portion (12%) of the locations were within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This highlights a gap in protection for these creatures within designated conservation zones.
Understanding the spatio-temporal distribution of manta rays provides insights into both opportunities and challenges for conservation management efforts. Conservation strategies need to consider their seasonal movements and habitat preferences to effectively protect and manage manta ray populations. Increasing protection within MPAs and implementing measures to mitigate threats such as bycatch are crucial steps towards ensuring the survival of this vulnerable species.
