The Marine Megafauna Foundation
The Marine Megafauna Foundation originated in Mozambique
studying the whale shark and manta ray population in the area. Andrea Marshall
and Simon Pierce, the founders, developed their friendship there researching their beloved megafauna (manta
rays and whale sharks respectively). Through research and hard work, Andrea
Marshall specified the current two species of Manta (although we should say
Mobula now!) – the Manta (Mobula) alfredi and Manta (Mobula) birostris. Also know as the Reef and Giant mantas (or known to many
of you as our dive boats!). Fast forward ten years and they have developed from
two passionate scientists to a globally based program that aims to promote
education, conservation and research of the marine world. Currently they have
bases in Mozambique, America, and South East Asia. Not only that but the founders are now revered
as the experts in their field and to go to people with any questions regarding
our flappy or spotty friends.
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| Dr. Andrea Marshall |
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| Dr. Simon Pierce |
Here in Komodo we work closely with the Foundation through its researchers, particularly with marine scientist and another mobula / manta expert, Elitza Germanov “Ellie”. Ellie is studying the the effects of microplastics and megafauna. Her research looks at the amount of micro plastics found in the water in manta rays feeding grounds (heads up, the results aren’t great!). Not only that, but she also works with Indonesian Universities to train up volunteers in manta research.
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| Elitza 'Ellie' Germanov |
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| Janis and April |
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| Collecting samples |
This year they have welcomed Janis and April from Udayana
University. So far these guys have learned about the research equipment (they
had to unpack the lab from storage and set it up in its new location at Blue
Corner Dive), calibrating instruments and tested their in water skills. Then
they hit the water and have sampled feeding grounds for plastic particles where
manta rays are feeding and analysed the data. They have also gone into schools
to share their knowledge with the next generations of ocean warriors!
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| More sample collecting! |
Here at Scuba Junkie we are proud supporters of their work
and helped to fund the 2019 Microplastics and Megafauna Internship Program. Our
guests can contribute as well by purchasing from our stock of merchandise whose
proceeds help to support the foundation. We have loved following the journey of
Janis & April so far and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!
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| visiting schools |
You can support their work too! If you have any photos of
the belly of a manta ray, which shows their unique spot pattern, please upload
it to MantaMatcher.org along with the information on where you saw the manta.
This provides with with information on manta ray movements which can lead to
better enforcement of protection!
To following Janis and April’s journey check out the
instagram page @microplastics_and_megafauna
All photos curtesy of the Marine Megafauna Foundation
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