Overview
Bryant co-founded MMF’s Florida Manta Project (FMP) with US Country Manager Jessica Pate in 2016, and he continues to develop a multifaceted role within it. His work includes handling logistics, supporting research, creating media, and driving conservation actions. His passion for working in the field, experience as a professional mariner, and skill as an underwater photographer make him a great fit.
On the research front, Bryant is interested in developing a better understanding of the life histories of understudied elasmobranchs, particularly the Atlantic manta ray (Mobula yarae) and the freckled guitarfish (Pseudobatos lentiginosus). Working alongside Jessica, he has become highly experienced with the field side of satellite telemetry, including deploying tags in the most challenging of conditions. He has developed laser photogrammetry techniques for the FMP to conduct non-invasive research on juvenile manta rays in Florida. He is also interested in utilizing photography to investigate new aspects of manta ray biology.
As a photographer and videographer, Bryant has worked to capture beautiful imagery of FMP work and Florida’s manta rays to further the project’s cause. He has produced educational outreach videos to mitigate the harm that boaters and anglers incidentally cause manta rays in the Florida study area. Most recently he produced and filmed a virtual reality video to provide those who don’t have access to the ocean a chance to experience the magic of Florida’s manta rays firsthand.
Of all his roles, Bryant takes the most pride in conducting what he calls “the hard work of conservation.” Protections on paper rarely translate perfectly to the real world, and many people remain unaware of ocean-related conservation issues. So the scope of Bryant’s conservation work includes developing outreach materials, conducting public outreach, meeting with wildlife and environmental managers, and appearing at public stakeholder meetings.
Education
2024 Master of Yachts 350 tons
Marshall Islands
2016 IYT Master of Yachts 200 tons Oceans
2011 BA, Environmental Science
New College of Florida
2008 U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, Master 200 tons
Biography
Originally from Sarasota, Florida, Bryant has always loved the ocean and its inhabitants. While at New College of Florida he majored in Environmental Science with a focus on marine ecosystems, and he worked extensively with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Center for Shark Research. These experiences inspired a desire to travel, work in the field, and promote conservation of natural resources. He has since taught scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, and circumnavigated the globe while teaching experiential education programs and serving as captain of the sailing yacht Argo.
In 2016, Bryant co-founded the Florida Manta Project under MMF with his partner Jessica Pate. Despite being a Florida native and avid waterman, he was unaware that mantas spent significant time in Florida waters. Over the last decade, Bryant has worked to support Jessica as US Country Manager and parlayed his skills as a boat captain, professional diver, marine biologist, and award-winning photographer into the effort. He hopes that this work will lead to greater awareness of mantas in Florida waters and have positive impacts for manta ray and wider ecosystem conservation.
Even when not working, Bryant is likely to be found underwater with his trusty camera. He loves exploring and documenting submerged worlds, whether off the coast of Florida, in the freshwaters of the Everglades, or in some far-flung part of the world. On rare occasions when dry, Bryant can be found birding, running, or hanging out with Jessica and their dog, Buster!
MMF research
Team member
- Atlantic GuitarfishUSATeam
- Florida Manta ProjectUSATeam
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