There are so many species Under threatDue to human activity Climate ChangeIt is encouraging to hear of one population doing well: 22,000+ oceanic mantas rays.Mobula birostris) off the coast of Ecuador.
The estimated population of this area is over 10 times that found in other areas. Conservationists believe this “will help” to conserve the environment.Unprecedented“Community of manta-rays” may provide some clues about what conditions fish find to be favorable.
In 2019, oceanic Manta Rays were reclassified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with commercial fishing the largest threat to the species – whether that’s through direct targeting or Unintentional bycatch.
“It is clear that something else is happening here.” says quantitative ecologist Joshua StewartFrom Oregon State University. “This is an extraordinary story of ocean optimism. This species is very vulnerable in comparison to other regions that have populations estimates between 1,000 and 2,000 animals.
Although it is clear that oceanic mantas are vulnerable, it can be difficult to study these animals and monitor their movements.
Scientists have been monitoring this specific group of mantas rays in Ecuador since the late 1990s. To estimate the current population, researchers used over a decade of photos and observations from field trips between 2005 and 2018, to arrive at this estimate of 22,000.
That is what identifies this Isla de la PlataThis region is a popular destination for these fish. According to the team, the reason the population has grown is because of the abundance of food. Cold, nutrient rich water rises from the depths, and the ocean currents deliver zooplankton snacks.
“While there are some good news, it is a warning tale.” says Stewart. “Manta-rays appear to be sensitive environmental disturbances such as changes in ocean temperature and food availability.”
“They will be affected by a warming climate, if there is an increase in strength and more food availability along with ocean temperatures.”
These long-term surveys are crucial because they provide scientists with a better understanding of the global population. The estimation of population status is based on estimates of abundance and averages. It’s important that outliers, such as this group, are not included in these estimates. M. birostrisThese are taken into account.
The more accurate data will allow for more targeted conservation efforts. Capturing manta Rays in this region of the globe is now illegal. However, there are other conservation issues like bycatch or fishing net. Entanglement and strikes from vessels remain a problem, besides climate change – many fish were observed to have injuries or scars during the research period.
The study is also a success story in citizen science and oceanic mantas rays. The photos of scuba divers from the area were a key factor in determining the population.
Scientists use the distinctive spot pattern found on manta rays’ belly to identify them. It is similar in appearance to a fingerprint or white spots seen on whale sharks. This allows scientists to track, count and monitor mantasrays over time. They can also calculate the population size based on ray numbers and re-sightings.
“Many photos in our study were donated by recreational divers who became citizen scientists after snapping photos of manta-rays.” says marine researcher Kanina HartyThe Mantra Trust in The UK.
These photographs provide a lot of information about each animal.
The publication of the research was published in Marine Ecology Progress Series.
