Project Manta Diver On A Field Trip to Lady Elliot
If you are a fan of Manta Rays (I’m guessing you are, they’re pretty freaking awesome) then you will be interested in the study that is being conducted by the University of Queensland.
The crazy thing is not much in known about Manta Rays. One of the things we do know is that they aggregate at North Stradbroke Island during the summer months, and that research so far has been able to prove they are the same population that has been identified at Lady Elliot Island, North East of Bundaberg.
The research UQ is doing revolves around identification of Manta Ray populations and their migration habits. They rely heavily on community involvement by analysing photos that people send of the Rays.
They check the photos for unique spots (like birth marks) on their belly or underside. From this pattern they can identify individual rays, and track their migration habits.
UQ is sponsored by organisations like, Lady Elliot Island Eco resort, Manta Lodge Scuba centre, Project Aware, PADI foundation and NASA.
As a club this is something I think we can easily be involved in. The University has released a handout on Manta Rays you, if you are interested in learning more about them. All that is required to assist with their research is,
- Diving with Manta’s (any volunteers
) - A photograph of the underside along with the Location, Date and Photographer
I think we could manage that….
Oh yeah i almost forgot if you ID a Ray that hasn’t been seen before you get to name it. If anyone gets one before me I can suggest Chris as a good name…..
This would be a good weekend away, what do you think? Comment below.