It’s International Manta Ray Day!
By MMF co-founder, Dr Simon Pierce
This month, we’re celebrating World Manta Day which provides an excellent opportunity to catch up with the world’s largest, and therefore flappiest rays! This year, the day’s theme was ‘storytelling’, so Indonesian Country Manager Janis Argeswara organized a ‘Get to know some of MMF’s favorite mantas!’ campaign.
While MMF co-founder, Dr. Andrea Marshall, is currently on extended medical leave, her legacy of passion and dedication to manta ray conservation continues to drive our mission. Her pioneering work has revolutionized our understanding of these gentle giants and inspired countless others to join the cause. We especially miss her today.
Manta Point, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Capturing the whole body and curious spirit of the manta ray, a gentle giant of the ocean. This image is a reminder of how friendly interactions with marine life are possible and the responsibility we share in practicing sustainable tourism to protect their home.
Nathania
This was taken during the first time I saw manta rays engaged in courtship activities. It happened during my safety stop and I took out the camera when I saw them approaching me. It all happened quickly, but it was engraved forever in my memory.
Janis
Manta Alley, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
It's not the best photo I've taken, but it captures a core memory—my first manta ray sighting. At that moment, I felt my calling was to protect biodiversity.
Manta Bay, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
The ray of hope illuminates even the darkest sea. This photo reminds me that there is still hope for a better future—for us and manta rays.
Ariq
Zavora, Mozambique
Say hello to Morris (Za525), a friendly male who's been a regular since we first spotted him in 2018. Every year, he dives back to swim alongside divers and mingle with his manta friends, including none other than Corey Rae. Just like her, Morris now sports an acoustic tag, and we can't wait to see where his travels take him next!
Nakia
Zavora, Mozambique
Meet Corey Rae (Za241), one of our most beloved mantas! She was named after a former intern and has been stealing the show since 2010. Known for her playful behaviour, she loves to follow divers, basking in the bubbles they create. As one of the most frequently sighted mantas in our database, Corey Rae never fails to impress. This year, we've taken our research to the next level by tagging her with an acoustic transmitter, so we can better understand her journeys along the coastline!
Nakia
South Florida, USA
Churro is one of our favorite mantas that we have seen here in South Florida! We first met Churro this June, and have seen him almost weekly since then! He is a relatively easygoing manta with a very distinctive spot pattern.
Jess & Olivia
Manta Bay, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
I started my work in conservation by studying about feeding manta rays and the threats of microplastics. It always warms my heart when I see them feeding so peacefully, without the disturbances of (that much) plastic pollution and swimmers in the water.
Janis
South Florida, USA
Cricket is a Florida Manta Project long-time favorite. We first saw her in 2022 and have seen her over 40 times since then, making her one of our most sighted mantas. Despite numerous anthropogenic injuries, she is still relatively friendly—and we admire her resilience!
Jess & Olivia
These photos and stories from our research team highlight the unique bond we’ve formed with these gentle giants. It’s a privilege to witness their grace and intelligence firsthand, and to work towards their conservation. This World Manta Day, let’s pledge to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. We can do our part by supporting conservation efforts, reducing plastic pollution, and practicing responsible tourism. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for manta rays and our oceans.
