CARIBBEAN ISLANDS MANTA CONSERVATION PROGRAM FUND
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Mission Statement
To better understand the biology and ecology of mobulids (manta and devil rays) throughout the islands of the Caribbean Sea as a means to drive effective conservation measures for these endangered species and the habitats they utilize. To achieve our goal, the Caribbean Islands Manta Project aims to meet the following objectives by collaborating with local community organizations, businesses, governments, and other stakeholders in the region. (1) Assess mobulid species distribution, abundance, and population demographics throughout the region; (2) Identify key mobulid ray aggregation sites and analyze the influence of seasonal and environmental factors on sightings. (3) Investigate mobulid ray migratory corridors and population inter-connectivity between island nations in the region. (4) Identify threats to mobulids in the region and work to mitigate these threats through evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and education initiatives. (5) Increase awareness of mobulids and the importance of conservation and research in the region.
About This Cause
Covering an area of more than a million square miles, the Caribbean Sea is one of the world's largest seas. The region is defined by more than 700 islands, reefs and cays within three island chains (the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles and the Leeward Antilles), the Lucayan Archipelago (Bahamas and Turks and Caicos) and islands off the coast of mainland Central and South American nations (including Honduras, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela). While manta ray aggregation sites have been identified and researched in areas near the Caribbean (Florida, Texas, Gulf of Mexico, Mexican Caribbean, Brazil), research on manta rays across the greater Caribbean region has remained limited. Throughout the Caribbean, diving and snorkeling are popular tourist activities, and the Manta Trust has received numerous photos from citizen scientists who have encountered manta rays in the region. Additional information from fishermen, researchers, and local community members has allowed us to confirm five species' presence across the region. These include Mobula birostris (oceanic manta rays), Mobula c.f. birostris (putative, yet undescribed species of manta ray recognized in the Caribbean), Mobula tarapacana (Sicklefin Devil Ray), Mobula thurstoni (Bentfin Devil Ray), Mobula hypostoma (West Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray) and Mobula mobular (Spinetail Devil Ray). Based on the data available so far, sightings appear to be infrequent and unpredictable however with additional research, it may be possible to identify environmental drivers of sightings and key habitat areas. Further researching the species present and the threats they face regionally will enable us to make recommendations for conservation measures. With such a large habitat area, collaboration with local stakeholders, citizen scientists, fishermen, and government organizations will be essential to this conservation program's success.