USA
Understanding Manta Ray Habits in the Gulf of Mexico: Collaborative Research at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Manta rays are frequent visitors to the Gulf of Mexico’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Working with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the private sector and recreational divers, we assessed the spatio-temporal use of the banks by manta rays using photo ID, acoustic and satellite tagging.
Accomplishments:
- We have conducted novel research on manta rays in the Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary that supported recent Sanctuary expansion measures.
- A range of laboratory analyses are conducted with partners in US institutions that have helped to identify new shark species, define fish age, and improve understanding of population flows.
- We contribute to the science and monitoring of commercial and threatened species listed in and important to the US.
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