MANTA

Manta rays are among the many species of rays and sharks that inhabit Mozambique’s rich waters. However, they are severely threatened by the intensive fishing and illegal fishing that proliferate along the South African coast. Using satellite tracking methods, this project aims to better understand and compare manta ray movements and existing fishing pressures, as well as to assess the effectiveness of current marine protected areas.

South Africa and Mozambique are hotspots for many species of ray and shark that are threatened, or for which essential data is lacking. Their protection, however, varies from country to country: Mozambique’s long coastline is subject to a variety of fisheries, making it a breeding ground for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Manta ray sightings there have fallen by 90%, underlining the urgent need to protect these species and their key habitats. The main objective of this project is to identify areas of overlap between manta rays and industrial fishing, and to assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) for their conservation using satellite tracking methods. The project also combines participatory science and observations of artisanal fishermen to study illegal fishing in shallow coastal waters, as well as areas of conflict between industrial and artisanal fishing. This research program will provide crucial information on the use of the coast by rays and sharks, baseline data to assess their current conservation status and future populations, and support the development of effective conservation strategies.