News
Tourists key to future of rare manta nursery
Scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation and Murdoch University are reporting a large number of juvenile manta rays in the waters of Nusa Penida, a small island 18km southeast of Bali, suggesting the area may be a nursery for this threatened species.
Reef mantas (Mobula alfredi), which grow up to 5m, tend to reside and feed in shallow, coastal habitats. They also visit ‘cleaning stations’ on coral reefs to have parasites or dead skin picked off by small fish. In Nusa Penida, they are present year-round making the Marine Protected Area (MPA) a snorkeling and diving hotspot.
One of the popular dive sites (Manta Bay) described in this new study is predominantly frequented by juvenile males looking for food. Some are as small as 1.5m in disc width on first sighting, providing strong evidence that the site forms part of a nursery habitat and foraging ground for the local reef manta population. Most individuals have been seen repeatedly across multiple years.
Image: Simon Pierce (www.simonpierce.com)
“Where manta rays are born and grow up still baffles us. Our research in Indonesia suggests there might be a reef manta nursery in the Nusa Penida area and possibly also in the famous Raja Ampat archipelago”, said lead author Elitza Germanov. “It’s really important for us to know where these nurseries are. They provide a safe space for young, vulnerable manta rays to grow and develop away from the reach of predators.”
Interestingly, mature males and females seem to prefer Manta Point, a second dive site a mere 12 km away. Here, the manta rays are mostly observed visiting cleaning stations and engaging in social activity as well as courtship display during the mating season (peaking in May).
Nusa Penida attracts more than 200,000 tourists each year. Of the 11 main dive spots in these waters, Manta Bay and Manta Point are frequented most by tourism operators, putting the local manta ray population under increasing pressure. While manta rays are protected in Indonesia2, there are currently few regulations in place to manage the growing tourism industry. The number of boats allowed to enter manta ray habitats is not limited and codes of conduct for manta ray interactions are voluntary. The average annual number of boats present at the two manta ray sites has increased by 60% since 2012 and tourism is highest during the mating season.
Germanov commented: “Large diving groups and boat engine noise can cause chronic stress to these vulnerable animals. Tourists may disrupt the foraging, cleaning and mating behavior of manta rays if they get too close, which can have serious implications for their growth and fitness.”
Limiting the number of tourism vessels allowed at one time and making codes of conduct for diving and snorkeling with manta rays mandatory are proposed as a way to minimize the impact from tourism. Seasonal closure of Manta Point could also be considered to protect the manta rays from disturbance during the mating period.
Artisanal fishing poses a further threat to the local population. During the study, 14% of manta rays were either trailing hooks and lines or had injuries and even amputations from fishing gear cutting through their skin and cartilage skeleton. While all fishing activities are officially prohibited in both Manta Bay and Manta Point, the whole west coast of Nusa Penida could be closed off as a precautionary measure.
Dr Andrea Marshall, principal scientist and co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation said: “This is clearly an important habitat for reef mantas. In fact, the resighting rates in the Nusa Penida MPA are higher than anywhere else in the world.
“The two aggregation sites are very close to each other but used for different purposes. We still don’t know much about when and how the mantas move between the feeding, cleaning and mating grounds. Putting the pieces of this puzzle together will help us figure out how to protect these slow-growing animals.”
For more information about the work of the Marine Megafauna Foundation visit their website by clicking here.
Save up to $1100 on select liveaboard dive trips from June through October 2025
Explorer Ventures Fleet is turning up the heat with its new Hot Summer / Cool Prices sale. For a limited time, divers can save $1000 or more on select liveaboard departures from June through October 2025.
Whether you’re ready to dive into crystal-clear summer waters or planning a cool fall escape, this promotion offers major savings on world-class dive adventures in the Galápagos, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean.
Hot Summer / Cool Prices – For the Summer Dive Traveler:
From June through August, take advantage of deep discounts on summer getaways. Enjoy up to $1100 off select trips aboard the Humboldt Explorer in the Galápagos or save $1000 on select summer departures aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer Il and Caribbean Explorer II, exploring magic of Saba and St. Kitts.
Cool Fall / Hot Prices – For Travel in the Fall:
Leave the cool weather and falling leaves behind — fall is the perfect time to head south and save. Take $1000 off select departures from September through October aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II and Caribbean Explorer II.
See all details and departure dates: www.explorerventures.com/discounts-and-specials
Space is limited – and once the trips are full, the savings are gone. Book now to secure your spot!
Looking for other dates or destinations? There are more savings available across the fleet, including liveaboard diving holidays in Indonesia, the Maldives, the Red Sea, and Palau. Explore all current deals here: https://www.explorerventures.com/year-of-savings-dive-liveaboard-specials/
Contact:
1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) | +1.307.235.0683
About Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet has been delivering world-class liveaboard diving, blending authentic experiences with a commitment to safety and sustainability. Operating in some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater destinations, their fleet of well-appointed vessels ensures every guest enjoys the highest level of comfort and care.
Explorer Ventures is proud to be the first liveaboard company to collaborate with Green Fins, earning certifications on four vessels: Caribbean Explorer II, Turks & Caicos Explorer II, Tiburon Explorer, and Humboldt Explorer. Notably, Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer are the only PADI Eco Centers designated in the Galápagos, underscoring their dedication to sustainable and responsible diving practices. With exceptional destinations, a global array of itineraries, and diver-focused design across the fleet, every voyage is crafted for comfort, convenience, and adventure—both above and below the surface.
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count!
The Shark Trust Great Shark Snapshot is back for its 4th year! And this time the Shark Trust are asking you to Make Every Dive Count! The last week of July will see the return of the Shark Trust’s citizen science initiative: The Great Shark Snapshot. It encourages divers and snorkellers, all around the world, to record the sharks and rays that they see. This year it takes place between the 19th and 27th July. Get ready to dive in!
The event is back for its 4th year, and it is happening in “Shark Month”, more commonly known as July! To coincide with a series of events that celebrate all things shark and ray, including Shark Week and the 50th anniversary of Jaws.
Divers, clubs, centres, charter boats and liveaboards are all encouraged to show their support by organising dives and events throughout the week. As well as gathering vital data, the event will provide a chance to celebrate the incredible shark and ray species that live in our ocean.
Information about the species and numbers of sharks and rays the participants find over the week will be added to the Shark Trust’s Shark Log. This global shark census will, over time, allow shark scientists to build a picture of species distribution and any changes that occur
Caroline Robertson-Brown, Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust said “It is great to see this popular citizen science event back for its 4th year. We are asking divers to Make Every Dive Count this year. To identify. Count and Record every shark, ray and eggcase they see during the week-long event. To organise dives especially to take part. Whether you are diving your local dive site, or on a trip of a lifetime, we want divers to join in on the Great Shark Snapshot in July.”
It is easy to join in. Just go diving between 19th and 27th July and record every shark, ray, skate or eggcase that you and your dive group sees. If possible, take photos and some video footage too. Then make sure that you record your sightings on the Shark Trust Shark Log recordings website or by using the Shark Trust app.
This year we have created a digital guide that puts all the information you need in one handy online guide. Which can be downloaded from the website.
The Great Shark Snapshot is a way for divers to get together, go diving, and do something to help shark conservation. Why not dive in?
Find out more here: www.sharktrust.org/snapshot
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