"Dedicated to research, education, and conservation of manta rays and the marine environment."
Threats
Manta Pacific Research Foundation will continue to pursue conservation and protection of manta rays as threats to their population and individual wellbeing continue.
Entanglement
Mantas can get entangled in fishing line, rope, nets, and other discarded debris in the ocean. If these entanglements are not removed, they can be detrimental to the health and survival of mantas. Some individuals often seen of the Kona coast have scars from old entanglements, some that were removed from our MPRF team!
Boat Strikes
Mantas swim at various levels of the water column; meaning they can be found near the ocean floor (depending on depth), the middle, or near the surface. Unfortunately, surface swimming can put mantas in the path of boats, where they can be struck by propellers. During night dives, tour operators are encouraged to not have lights near the propeller. Since lights attract mantas, shining lights at the back of the boat can increase the chance of a manta being struck during night dives.
Habitat Decline
Mobula alfredi, or reef mantas, are the species seen most commonly off of the Kona coast. They live near reef structures, which is where they get their name. These rays depend on healthy reef systems for their survival. Unfortunately, most reef systems across the globe are in a state of decline, including those off the coast of Kona. Corals that build the structure of the reef are seeing increased rates of disease and death due to increased ocean temperatures and pollution. Structural loss has lead to a reduction in biodiversity of plant and fish species. This combination of factors causes nutrient imbalances and further decline to reef health.