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Giant manta rays found to be predators of the deep ocean

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A new scientific study by the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), the University of Queensland (UQ) and Proyecto Mantas Ecuador has been published in Royal Society Open Science today, providing novel insights into the food sources of giant manta rays found in the eastern equatorial Pacific.

The giant manta ray (Manta birostris) is a filter-feeding and highly migratory marine species found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. The large majority of existing information about the species’ diet is based on observational data limited to feeding activities at the sea surface during daylight at well-known aggregation sites.

This new study focused on Isla de la Plata, an island off Ecuador, which seasonally hosts the largest known aggregation of giant manta rays in the world. Manta ray muscle and surface zooplankton were examined through stable isotope analysis, and revealed that the species’ dietary intake largely comes from the mesopelagic zone (200 to 1,000 meters below the ocean surface) rather than from surface zooplankton as previously thought.

MMF’s manta ray researcher Katherine Burgess, who authored this study as part of her PhD project at the University of Queensland, commented: “Manta rays are one of the most iconic marine animals, yet we still know very little about their feeding habits. The study reports much-needed information on the diet of this elusive species.”

katherine-burgess-taking-a-tissue-sample-of-a-giant-manta-ray-in-ecuador-copyright-andrea-marshall

Katherine Burgess taking a tissue sample of a giant manta ray in Ecuador. Copyright: Andrea Marshall

“We studied the giant manta rays’ diet using biochemical tests, such as stable isotope analysis, which work on the ‘you are what you eat’ paradigm. These tests can determine what animals have been eating by examining a piece of tissue from a muscle biopsy from a free-swimming animal,” she added.

Professor Anthony Richardson, a scientist with UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics and the CSIRO’s Oceans and Atmosphere Flagship, said: “The research found an average 27 per cent of the giant manta rays’ diet comes from surface zooplankton and 73 per cent from mesopelagic sources including fish from 200m to 1,000m below the ocean surface.”

“The deep ocean is the next frontier for open ocean fisheries, and we are only just realizing the potential reliance on this zone by threatened marine megafauna,” he added.

Giant mantas are known to dive to depths of over 1,000 meters making it difficult to study their feeding ecology. To determine the diet of a fish, researchers normally examine its stomach contents. However, this is usually a distressing or lethal procedure and would not be appropriate considering global manta ray populations have been in drastic decline due to anthropogenic threats such as targeted fishing or bycatch, pollution and habitat destruction.

Both species of Manta – the giant manta ray (Manta birostris) and reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) – are listed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. To date, manta rays are formally protected in Ecuador, Peru, New Zealand, the USA (Florida, Hawaii and Flower Garden Banks), Guam, Maldives, Yap, Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico only. Filling the knowledge gaps on manta ray feeding ecology is crucial for the identification of critical habitats and aggregation sites, which are vital for developing effective conservation measures for these species.

marinemegafauna.org

science.uq.edu.au

mantasecuador.org

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Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cook by Lasse Spang Olsen

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The Diver and the Cook

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.

Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.

Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.

Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?

An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.

Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:

“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”

About the author

Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.

The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.

Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup

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Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1

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christmas

Welcome to Day 1 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!

Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.

Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…

Bigblue Dive Lights
by Liquid Sports

info@liquidsports.co.uk / Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook

christmas

Bigblue lights are high performance lights from 250 to 64,000 lumens. From back up to main lights and an extensive range of video lights, Bigblue brightens up your dive.

With advanced designs and unprecedented affordability, Bigblue offers the most affordable and technologically advanced LED lights on the market. We incorporate the latest technologies, producing the most efficient portable illumination. In addition to brilliant design features, we offer the most ideal lights for underwater illumination, night diving and underwater videoing.

Whether you are looking for a simple recreational dive light or a full-blown technical underwater illumination system, Bigblue has a light for you! Bigblue is a recognised brand that divers all over the world prefer.

info@liquidsports.co.uk / Bigblue Facebook / Liquid Sports Facebook

AP Diving Gift Vouchers

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

It’s November, the nights are drawing in and it’s time to start thinking about what present to get the dive buddy in your life…

Who doesn’t love a voucher?

Why not get your diver a unique personal GIFT VOUCHER from AP Diving? Printed on quality textured card (145mm x 75mm), each voucher can be personalised with your own message. Just let us know what you want to say in about 10-20 words.

Keep your someone-special supplied with their diving essentials (cells, sofnolime, etc…) or a shiny new piece of kit of their choice by creating a line of credit to any value you like, £25, £50, £100… Call the AP elves on 01326 561040 or email sales@apdiving.com today.

sales@apdiving.com / www.apdiving.com / AP Diving Facebook  / AP Diving Instagram / AP Diving TV

christmas

SlipIns

Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook  / SlipIns Instagram  / SlipIns Pinterest

DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.

This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.

SlipIns are:

*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection

Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!

SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS

Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook  / SlipIns Instagram  / SlipIns Pinterest

christmas

Aqualung i770R Dive Computer

info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram

Experience the future of diving technology with the Aqualung i770R Dive Computer. This state-of-the-art device combines an ultra-bright TFT colour screen and wireless Bluetooth connectivity, all within a durable and compact design. Navigate through your dive information effortlessly using the intuitive 3-button interface.

The Aqualung i770R comes with a rechargeable lithium battery, and full-tilt compass, and offers multiple gas capabilities across its 4 operating modes. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can wirelessly manage your dive data and settings on your mobile device, and then share your dive memories, stats, photos, and dive sites via the free DiverLog+ app.

  • Dive into the future of scuba technology with the Aqualung i770R Dive Computer.
  • Long lasting rechargeable lithium battery.
  • High-visibility Thin Film Transistor (TFT) colour screen.
  • Easy-to-use interface.
  • Colour screen, ultra-bright, high-contrast, full-colour TFT display.
  • Battery savings when a high-intensity screen is unnecessary.
  • Easy-to-use interface with intuitive menu structure.
  • Intuitive 3-button navigation interface allows for easy settings preview and updates.

A 3-axis full-tilt compass allows for easy-to-read compass graphics.

FREE Transmitter with the i770R Black Dive Computer!*
*while stocks last

info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram

Fog-X: Anti-Fog Film for Dive Masks

info@fogxsolutions.com / www.fogxsolutions.com / Fog-X Instagram  / Fog-X Facebook

christmas

Fog-X is a new anti-fog film that is inserted once into the dive mask and will provide fog free diving forever! The hydrophilic, anti-scratch film protects your mask and prevents fog from forming. Six mask designs and a swim goggle design are available.

Fog-X is the perfect gift for the diver you know! If they hate fog as much as we do, Fog-X is what they have been looking for.

Use code “SCUBAVERSE” for 20% off your order!

Free USA shipping if over $20 order.

info@fogxsolutions.com / www.fogxsolutions.com / Fog-X Instagram  / Fog-X Facebook

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