Marine Life & Conservation
Collaborative research puts manta rays on the map in the Philippines

A new collaborative scientific study led by the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) and in cooperation with partners and the public has compiled a national population database for manta rays and has identified four hotspots for the species in the Philippines.
Sightings from dedicated in-water research efforts by LAMAVE and partners as well as citizen science contributions from dive centers, digital submissions on platforms like mantamatcher.org as well as online searches on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have enabled the creation of the database. The study reports the presence of both Reef Mantas (Mobula alfredi) and Oceanic Mantas (Mobula birostris) in the country.
A total of 2,659 manta ray sightings were analysed by the team and from those, 499 individual manta rays were identified using photo-identification methods, which use the unique spot pattern on the ventral side (belly) of the manta ray. These individuals were encountered in 22 different sites across the Philippines, 11 of which both reef manta and oceanic mantas were observed.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape identified as
hotspots Of these 22 sites, the study identified four hotspots where manta rays aggregate:
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Cagayancillo, San Jacinto in the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape, Puerto Princesa City and TayTay in Palawan. Three of these hotspots are in the waters of Palawan. These four sites accounted for 89% of all the individual manta rays and specific behaviours were observed including cleaning, courtship and feeding.
In reference to the Tico-Burias Pass Protected Seascape Nonie P. Enolva, Senior Fishing Regulations Officer/Chief, Fisheries Resource Management Section, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 5 had this to say – “Ticao Pass is one of the Bicol Region’s marine key biodiversity areas known to be home of filter-feeding megafauna like whale sharks, megamouth sharks and mobulas. The area has been known to be rich in plankton and other primary producers at the trophic level. The preponderance of visits of these megafaunas is greatly attributed to how rich the Ticao Pass is in terms of the primary food source that has been provided for them. Thus, the protection of this important fishing ground would also mean the protection of the many marine species that are dependent on it. The implementation of the Fisheries Management Area 7 which covers Ticao Pass would also warrant an Ecosystems Approach to Fisheries Management by providing policies that include protection of important marine species.”
Oceanic mantas keep coming back to the same areas Oceanic Mantas accounted for 107 individuals in the national catalog and resights of this species gave an insight into their movements. One female manta first sighted in Daanbantayan, Cebu in 2009, became the first recorded movement of an oceanic manta between sites in the Philippines when she was resighted in San Jacinto in 2014 and then back again in Daanbantayan in 2017. Another individual made a similar journey in 2017, covering ~150 km (straight-line movement) in five days.
Other records from Daanbantayan also revealed the longest resighting interval with two individual manta rays seen again in the area after an 8-year interval. Six other individuals were sighted in the area in at least two different years suggesting that the area is important for the species as they keep coming back. Ticao, Masbate and Palawan were identified as hotspots for reef mantas As for reef mantas, 392 individuals were identified from sighting records over 16 years between 2004-2020. Over 90% of these individuals were encountered in three sites: San Jacinto (Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape), Taytay in Northern Palawan and Cagayancillo (Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park) in Palawan. In these areas 66-80% of the mantas identified were seen more than once, most often at cleaning stations – small patches of coral that house cleaning fish. The fact that two of these hotspots are within protected areas (Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Area and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park) highlights the importance of these areas for the species and why the continued efforts to conserve them are crucial.
Both species are still under threat. The study highlights key threats continuing to face these species. A quarter of the animals identified in San Jacinto and Taytay showed fishery-related injuries, in the form of damaged or missing fins or severe cuts. Damage to cleaning stations is a further concern; the cleaning sites in San Jacinto are characterised by an abundance of fishing gear entangled in the reef resulting in damage or destruction of this sensitive habitat.
Meanwhile, sightings of oceanic manta rays (M. birostris) in Daanbantayan dropped from 73 sightings between 2006-2012 to only 16 sightings between 2013-2019 despite the increased diving effort in the area. San Jacinto showed a similar trend with 15 sightings between 2013-2014 to only three between 2017-2019. This is an alarming 80% decline in sighting frequency and may be attributed to fishing activities in part of its assumed population range, such as in the Bohol Sea which saw at least 100 oceanic mantas landed per season in the Bohol Sea up until 2017. The species has a population recovery time of over 37 years so protecting the remaining individuals is fundamental if we are to help the species recover.
Conservation strategies such as marine protected areas and fishing gear regulations should be urgently adopted at these sensitive sites, especially in the identified hotspots which do not currently benefit from species-specific protection such as Taytay and Puerto Princesa City.
For more information visit: www.lamave.org
Header Image: LAMAVE research, San Jacinto, Philippines. Credit: Olivia Johnson (LAMAVE)
Marine Life & Conservation
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast Leads the Way in Marine Conservation
Marine Life & Conservation
Aqaba’s Dive Operators Reduce Environmental Impact on Reefs

Green Fins initiative in Jordan achieves 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba Marine Reserve
Green Fins, the internationally recognised standard for sustainable diving and snorkelling, is delivering measurable environmental benefits to Jordan’s precious coral ecosystems. In just its second year of implementation, the programme has achieved a remarkable 51% reduction in threats to Aqaba’s coral reefs from marine tourism activities.
Led by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and supported by Green Fins’ international coordinator, The Reef-World Foundation, Green Fins Jordan is demonstrating how government commitment combined with industry action can rapidly transform a dive destination.
Measurable Environmental Improvements
The programme’s success is evident through several key metrics tracked during annual Green Fins assessments:
Elimination of anchoring damage from Green Fins Members
69% reduction in diver contact with fragile coral reefs
100% halt to the display and sale of marine life
46% improvement in waste management practices
28% reduction in chemical discharge into marine environments
27% increase in positive role model behaviour among dive guides
“This achievement not only attracts more divers to Aqaba but also honours ASEZA’s dedication to prioritising resources for this vital program,” said Nayef AL Fayez, ASEZA Chief.
Commissioner. “These remarkable improvements demonstrate that with proper guidance and commitment, the diving industry can reduce its environmental impact significantly. We’re proud to see the progress made by Green Fins Members, and this reinforces the importance of this initiative for our sustainability agenda. By choosing Green Fins operators, divers are directly contributing to the protection of our marine treasures for future generations while enjoying world-class underwater experiences.”
A Prime Destination for Eco-Conscious Divers
Aqaba has emerged as a leading destination for environmentally conscious divers, offering the rare combination of vibrant marine biodiversity with verifiable sustainability credentials. Divers now have a compelling reason to choose Aqaba: its commitment to sustainability directly translates to healthier, more vibrant reefs and an enhanced diving experience. The Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR), which covers 30% of Jordan’s coastline, was recently recognised in the prestigious IUCN Green List of Protected Areas, confirming its status as an effectively managed protected area.
The designation of the Aqaba Marine Reserve in 2020 was made possible through the commitment and support of King Abdullah II, who considers marine conservation a national priority. This high-level backing has enabled ASEZA to implement effective management strategies, including Green Fins, ensuring that diving operations maintain the ecological integrity of this unique ecosystem.
“Divers are increasingly making sustainable choices,” noted JJ Jarvey, Operations Director at The Reef-World Foundation. “Aqaba now offers the compelling proposition of experiencing some of the world’s most resilient coral reefs while knowing their visit contributes to reef protection rather than degradation.”
Local Businesses Driving Global Impact
Eleven dive operators have achieved Green Fins certification in Aqaba, demonstrating their commitment to environmental best practices:
Red Sea Dive Center
Arab Divers
Deep Blue Dive Center
Coral Garden Diving Center
Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers
Royal Diving Club
Bait al-Aqaba Dive Resort
Hammerhead Diving Center
Rio Dive Center Aqaba
Red Coral Dive Centre
Sea Wonders Diving Center
These operators are pioneering a new standard for sustainable diving in the region, proving that environmental protection and business success can go hand-in-hand.
Recognising the Efforts of the Green Fins Assessor Team
Behind this successful partnership between dive operators and environmental standards stands a dedicated team of professionals. The recent success and continuity of the Green Fins programme would not have been possible without the commitment of the Green Fins Assessor team. Dom Wyszogrodzki and Tareq Al Salman played pivotal roles in ensuring the programme’s continued success. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining high standards, evaluating progress and supporting local dive operators in implementing best practices for sustainable marine tourism. Their contributions have been vital in strengthening the relationship between ASEZA and local dive operators and ensuring the long-term impact of the Green Fins initiative.
Future Plans for Expanding Green Fins in Aqaba
With this strong foundation established by the assessor team, Green Fins Jordan is now setting its sights on future growth. Building on the success of the current programme, ASEZA, in collaboration with The Reef-World Foundation, is working to expand the Green Fins programme to include the remaining Aqaba-based dive centres, ensuring that all operators in the region can contribute to the protection of Aqaba’s marine ecosystems.
In addition to expanding the programme, future initiatives will focus on conducting meaningful awareness sessions for both the local community and visitors. This will include citizen science-driven reef monitoring, where divers and local residents can actively contribute to the health and monitoring of coral reefs, as well as clean-up dives aimed at reducing marine litter and improving water quality.
“Divers are now looking for more than just an experience; they want to know that their activities are contributing to the preservation of our marine ecosystems. By expanding the Green Fins programme, we’re empowering more businesses and individuals to play an active role in protecting Aqaba’s reefs for generations to come,” added Dom Wyszogrodzki, Green Fins Local Management Team Leader.
Dive operators interested in joining the Green Fins programme can learn more at www.greenfins.net. For divers planning their next trip in Aqaba, choosing Green Fins-certified operators means experiencing extraordinary underwater environments while being part of the solution.
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