Monthly Update for July
Hi all!
I'm now home in a (rather wintry) New Zealand after two fantastic MMF dive expeditions. First, a dive / research trip to the Revillagigedo Archipelago, off the Pacific coast of Mexico, in June/July. Dr Madalena Cabral, my co-host for the trip, was able to satellite-tag and ultrasound several giant oceanic manta rays – and we had some wonderful dives as well!
Guest David Shen with a (satellite-tagged) oceanic manta
Later in July, we followed this with a highly customized 15-day MMF dive expedition around the Galapagos archipelago, which gave us an excellent excuse for extra dives with the marine iguanas…
Mini-Godzilla at Isla Fernandina, Galapagos
Our next MMF dive expeditions are to the coral (and manta ray) wonderland of Raja Ampat in February 2026. We still have one cabin open on our 9-night trip, and a male twin share space open on our 10-night trip – come and join us! Details here.
Atlantic manta rays feeding off Isla Contoy, Mexico
The real monthly highlight, though, was the official description of the Atlantic manta ray Mobula yarae – the long-anticipated third manta ray species! After more than a decade of research, this Atlantic endemic has now been formally announced to the world, marking a major milestone in manta ray taxonomy and conservation. MMF co-founder Andrea Marshall flagged the likely existence of this newly recognized species in her groundbreaking split of oceanic and reef manta rays, published in 2009, and it's been a great team effort to get this published. It's fantastic that MMF now has world-class research programs on all three manta species, as well as their smaller mobula ray cousins.
Read the MMF media release on this discovery here.
As usual, there's lots more happening too! You can read updates from our teams around the world below.
Very best,
Simon
UPDATES FROM
INDONESIA
Sea turtle identification in Derawan
The team began the process of identifying new sea turtle individuals in the Derawan Archipelago. So far, they have successfully identified 96 green and hawksbill turtles in the region. We look forward to expanding our knowledge of the sea turtle population in the area – traditionally, most turtle research has taken place on nesting beaches, so it's great to do this in-water work in their important foraging areas.
National Uni of Singapore visit
We were excited to host another visit from the National University of Singapore student group this year. The MMF team gave talks on manta rays and turtles, followed by two days of field data collection through snorkeling. After the fieldwork, the team held a photo-identification workshop and wrapped up with discussions on megafauna conservation in Indonesia.
Leadership in conservation workshop
Country Manager Janis Argeswara, a Rufford Grant alumni, recently joined the CLP x Rufford Leadership and Fundraising workshop in Bogor, Indonesia. Alongside 19 other conservationists from Southeast Asia, she learned the qualities and skills of an effective and empathetic leader in conservation.
Asia Shark and Ray workshop
Ariq Trisarjono joined 25 other delegates at the 2025 Asia Shark and Ray Capacity Building Workshop, hosted by the Blue Capacity Collective from James Cook University's Fish and Fisheries Lab. Beyond developing technical conservation skills, he built valuable connections within Asia's growing shark and ray conservation community.
UPDATES FROM
MOZAMBIQUE
Welcome to the club, Mobula yarae!
After 15+ years of research, genetic and physical analysis, we confirmed the Atlantic manta ray is distinct from the two known manta species, with unique star-shaped skin denticles, V-shaped back patches, and specific coloration. The species faces threats from bycatch, boat strikes, and pollution, highlighting the need for Atlantic manta conservation efforts.
Mantas return to Zavora!
The manta rays have started to return to their favorite site in Zavora, and have welcomed the new 2025 interns with open wings! One of the reef mantas still had her tag on from last year, and Project Leader Ed Bevan was able to get an ultrasound scan of her (spoiler alert: there was a baby in there!).
Wedgefish tagging in Vilanculos
Our Mozambique team, led by Research Associate Dr. Steph Venables and Research Manager Nilza de Catarina, along with expert
assistance and advice from Dr Ryan Daly
(Oceanographic Research Institute) tagged nine Critically Endangered bottlenose wedgefish in The Sanctuary in the Bazaruto Archipelago, deploying acoustic trackers to monitor their movements across Inhambane Province.
Final PhD data collection in Zavora
This month, the team downloaded the data from four of the passive acoustic receivers, which was the final data to be included in Nakia Cullain's PhD thesis on manta rays at Dalhousie. They also had Dino from InOM on-hand to help retrieve and deploy the temperature logger units, which included some in-the-field underwater construction!
UPDATES FROM
INDONESIA
Welcome to the club, Mobula yarae!
After 15+ years of research, genetic and physical analysis, we confirmed the Atlantic manta ray is distinct from the two known manta species, with unique star-shaped skin denticles, V-shaped back patches, and specific coloration. The species faces threats from bycatch, boat strikes, and pollution, highlighting the need for Atlantic manta conservation efforts.
American Elasmobranch Society meeting
Jessica Pate attended the 2025 American Elasmobranch Society meeting, held in St. Paul, Minnesota. She presented a poster on using machine learning to quantify manta ray kinematics, and an oral presentation on the manta ray nursery habitat in South Florida.
Youth Environmental Summit
Education Coordinator Isabel Moyer was invited to attend the Brevard Zoo's Youth Environmental Summit, where students ages 12–18 could learn about misunderstood animals and how to pursue a career in the environmental sciences. Over 100 students attended the event and learned a lot from many environmental organizations.
Florida Migrant Education Program
The team partnered with the Florida Migrant Education Program, which provides educational opportunities to the children of migrant educational workers. Isabel visited students at Gove Elementary and Channel Point Elementary schools to teach students about manta rays in south Florida and how scientists are working to protect them. They were also able to provide each student with a copy of the book A Manta Ray's Journey by Jessica Pate!
Record-breaking turtle survey
Recently, we broke a record for the most turtles ever seen on our aerial survey- counting 631 sea turtles in two hours! July and August are the peak months for sea turtle mating and nesting season, so hundreds of turtles gather off south Florida's beaches.
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