Monthly Update for May
Hello!
Almost everyone in the MMF project teams are in the field right now – or deep in preparation mode for upcoming work. We've got new projects, new science, and some new staff to introduce you to this month.
Very Best,
Madeleine.
MMF Mozambique
Swimming Lessons Restart in Coastal Communities
Our Nemos Pequenos learn-to-swim program has officially restarted for the year, currently teaching 55 kids in Morrungulo and 85 in Tofo and Barra. These lessons provide essential life skills while fostering appreciation for the marine environment. Our Marine Conservation Curriculum intake is 328 students at present, across three secondary schools.
From Security Guard to Conservation Officer
Avelino Chau, who has served as MMF's Tofo office security guard since 2020, has realized his dream of joining the conservation team. After patiently waiting and expressing his interest in marine conservation for years, while working night shifts at our office, Avelino seized the opportunity created by Martinho's promotion to Manager, and replaced him as a Conservation Field Officer. Shown above is Avelino's first presentation to our Ocean Ambassadors!
New Research Fellows Join MMF
MMF has welcomed Marcia Nhaca (left) and Elio Bila, marine biology graduates who will spend the next 12 months developing their skills in science and conservation. Established in 2017, our Research Fellowship Program provides a year-long traineeship for early career Mozambican marine scientists. Elio and Marcia are already immersing themselves into MMF's shark and ray research, completing water safety training, and helping with video analysis.
Southern Africa Shark and Ray Symposium
Dércio Maoze and Nakia Cullain have submitted abstracts to the upcoming Shark and Ray Southern Africa Symposium. Held every two years, the event brings together researchers, conservationists, and managers from across the region. Dércio will present his research on using Baited Remote Underwater Video to assess elasmobranch diversity in Southern Inhambane. (Including the critically endangered bowmouth guitarfish shown above.)
MMF USA
Seen An Oceanic Manta in Hawaii?
Join us in important oceanic manta ray research! Please submit past or future sightings of oceanic manta rays (with or without photos) to help us gain a better understanding of this threatened species in Hawai’i. Click through below to find out more about the two different species of manta rays in Hawai’i, and where you can submit your reports.
Research Informs Fisheries Management
Our Florida Manta Project data was presented at the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council meeting to help understand how the recreational cobia fishery affects manta rays in Florida waters.
Manta Breach. Photo: Bryant Turffs
Community Science Guitarfish Project Continues
Our Atlantic Guitarfish research is going strong! This community science initiative tracks these vulnerable rays through their unique spot patterns. Spot a guitarfish? Email a clear photo of its head pattern to florida@marinemegafauna.org along with the date, time, and location. Every submission helps us better understand these fascinating creatures.
Acoustic Receiver Data Download
We've successfully downloaded data from our acoustic receivers in central Florida, continuing our tracking of tagged marine species throughout the region. The information will provide valuable insights into habitat use patterns and migration behaviors. We look forward to analyzing this data and sharing our findings on how these animals move through Florida's waters.
MMF Indonesia
New Team Members!
Vani and Barra are currently training with our Nusa Penida team before transferring to Derawan to continue our long-term manta ray and sea turtle monitoring. Vani, our new Site Manager from Jakarta, brings environmental project experience, while Barra from West Java combines marine science expertise with knowledge gained sailing across Indonesian islands. Their complementary skills will enhance our field research and community relationships in Derawan.
Mantas Throughout Nusa Penida
Manta rays have been observed throughout multiple sites beyond Manta Point, including Crystal Bay, Toyapakeh, and various locations in northern Nusa Penida Island. The presence of pregnant females during our dives is encouraging, indicating a healthy, reproductive aggregation. This widespread distribution and evidence of breeding success reflects the ecological importance of Nusa Penida's waters as a critical habitat for these protected marine species.
Manta Educational Talk
We've just hosted our first manta ray educational talk of the year! As Bali enters high season, we're excited to schedule more presentations to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures in our local waters. Special thanks to Scuba Center Asia for providing the venue for this important community outreach event. Stay tuned for upcoming talks and opportunities to learn about manta conservation efforts in the region.
Freedive Training
New team members Vania and Barra completed their freediving introduction with Blue Corner Freedive. As marine scientists, this skill is essential for collecting data in conditions where SCUBA isn't feasible. Freediving allows quieter observation with minimal ecosystem disturbance. Thank you Blue Corner Freedive for equipping our team with these valuable capabilities!
MMF Around the World
NEW SCIENCE! Huge Transoceanic Swim by a Bull Shark
Dr Ryan Daly from the Oceanographic Research Institute in South Africa has led a new paper on a bull shark's truly amazing swim. This shark swam 7,290 km from St Lucia in northern SA, up to Bazaruto in Mozambique (where it was recorded in MMF's acoustic network), then it moved south, right around South Africa and up to Nigeria, where the shark was captured 839 days later. This incredible swim was unexpected – the shark crossed an upwelling zone in southwest Africa that is normally too cold for the species, using a corridor of unusually warm water. As Ryan notes, this movement “raises questions about how climate change may influence historical cold-water barriers.”
Manta Rays of Mayotte
Dr Chris Rohner has led the first study of Mayotte’s reef manta rays, using community science observations, field surveys, and sattellite tracking to document how this threatened species uses Mayotte’s huge lagoon system and surrounding waters. One area of the lagoon may be a nursery area for baby mantas, while adults dived to 397m on excursions up to 285km away from the main island.
Whale Sharks on the Move
We're continuing to get fantastic results from the whale sharks tagged on the Biopixel Oceans Foundation expedition in Nov/Dec 2024 in the far north Great Barrier Reef. ‘Antoine’, a 7 m male whale shark, has swum over 7,500 km so far. You can follow Antoine and our other tagged sharks on the Biotracker.tv website via the button below.
It's been a busy start to 2025 across our projects. From tracking marine giants to teaching the next generation of ocean guardians, every day brings us closer to our conservation goals. But there's still so much more to do.
We can't do all this alone.
Can you join MMF as a monthly supporter?
Your support is crucial in fueling these vital efforts. By joining us, you become a champion for our ocean planet.
Your membership directly contributes to:
Cutting-edge research on endangered marine wildlife
Empowering local communities through sustainable livelihoods
Educating the next generation about ocean conservation
Together, we can create a healthier, more vibrant ocean for all.
Thanks again for your support!
Dr Simon Pierce
Co-founder, Marine Megafauna Foundation
