We’re very happy to share two new research techniques: the use of underwater ultrasound to study the reproduction of free-swimming whale sharks, and how we can collect blood samples from these same whale sharks in the wild.

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.

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.