New research by the Marine Megafauna Foundation, has extended the southern range of the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in Africa, connecting the longest monitored and highly vulnerable population of reef manta rays along southern Mozambique to the UNESCO World Heritage site of iSimangaliso in South Africa.

New collaborative research on giant oceanic manta rays off the Ecuadorian coast has definitively identified more individuals than any other location in the world, with over 2,800 identified during the 14-year study period.

MMF first began as the ‘Manta & Whale Shark Research Centre’ in Tofo, Mozambique, where Andrea Marshall completed the world’s first PhD on the biology and ecology of manta rays. Years later, she and the MMF team continue as world leaders in manta ray research and conservation. To help celebrate these majestic sea flap-flaps, we’ve compiled some updates on the latest discoveries on manta ray from our global team:

The study reveals that these rays regularly form social groups and that their relationships depend on individual differences in movement behavior.

The two marlin species have differences in their diving behavior, which allow them to both be successful, even when sharing the same habitat.

The area may hold the key to regional recovery of the threatened species.

MMF's research team used drones, aerial surveys, and in-water photography and videography to collect measurements and track individuals for the 3D model

“The moment I saw it, I knew it was something special and unusual.”

Additional modeling of the abundance trends showed that only dramatic decreases or increases could be confidently detected

Mission Blue has declared the Inhambane Seascape a Hope Spot in recognition of the spatial planning work being done in the area to develop a network of marine protected areas (MPA) in the surrounding waters.

Calls for sustainable tourism measures to protect whale sharks are overwhelmingly supported by operators and tourists

MMF scientists have kickstarted an intensive tagging study designed to better understand movements and habitat use and guide protection of these rare and threatened species

Scientists use a combination of local knowledge, underwater photography, and research dives to track an endangered shark.

This new study continues our previous investigations into plastics in manta ray feeding grounds to find out what types of plastics these animals are accidentally ingesting.

Results suggest that cephalic lobe movements may be important in social communication or sensing of the local environment, as well as being used in feeding.