This achievement highlights the significance of Fuvahmulah Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which accounts for over 85% of the Oceanic Manta sightings in the Maldives. The milestone not only reflects the success of conservation efforts but also underscores the ongoing need for international cooperation to protect these endangered species.
Fuvahmulah Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, Hosts the World’s Third-largest Population of Oceanic Manta Rays. — Photo: Simon Hilbourne
FUVAHMULAH, MALDIVES – The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP), the flagship initiative of the Manta Trust, has reached a significant milestone by identifying over 1,000 oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) in Maldivian waters. This accomplishment highlights the program’s commitment to the study and protection of these majestic creatures, and underscores the crucial role of community engagement in marine conservation.
Fuvahmulah, a distinctive atoll in the southern Maldives, has played a central role in this achievement. It accounts for more than 85% of the recorded sightings of oceanic mantas in the country. Recent data reveals that the Maldives now ranks third globally for the population of giant oceanic manta rays, showcasing the success of the MMCP and Fuvahmulah’s critical importance in international oceanic manta ray conservation efforts.
A Landmark Achievement in Oceanic Manta Conservation
According to new data, the Maldives hosts the third-largest population of oceanic manta rays in the world. This is a remarkable feat for the MMCP, which has been at the forefront of manta ray research and conservation since its inception. The program’s success is largely due to its comprehensive approach, which combines direct research fieldwork, citizen science contributions, and strong support from local dive centres.
Oceanic manta rays are the largest species of rays, with wingspans reaching up to 7 metres—almost as long as a London Routemaster bus. These gentle giants, which feed primarily on plankton, are now classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The identification of the 1,000th individual in Maldivian waters serves as a beacon of hope for the future of this species, emphasising the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
Oceanic Manta Ray Mobula birostris has been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2019. Mobula birostris is listed as Endangered under criteria A2bcd+3d.
The Role of Fuvahmulah Atoll in Manta Ray Conservation
Interestingly, the majority of the sightings contributing to this milestone have come from Fuvahmulah Atoll, a single, sub-equatorial atoll in the southern Maldives. Despite being just one of the 1,200 islands that make up the archipelago, Fuvahmulah has accounted for over 85% of the recorded sightings of oceanic mantas in the country. This atoll is already famous for tiger sharks, attracting divers and marine enthusiasts from around the world. The fact that it is also a hotspot for oceanic mantas adds another layer of significance to its marine ecosystem.
“To celebrate this significant milestone, the Manta Trust’s RahVeshi Programme co-hosted a celebration evening with the Fuvahmulah City Council,” said Fauz Fath-hee, RahVeshi Programme Coordinator of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme. The event featured educational stalls, manta-themed games, and live music by local artist Shiuz. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity for one lucky individual to name the 1,000th identified manta ray, which has been affectionately named ‘Anbu,’ meaning mango in Dhivehi, the Maldivian language.
Fuvahmulah island is renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of mango trees in the Maldives. The native Fuvahmulah mango variety is especially famous across the country and is abundant on the island during mango season.
Event Held in Fuvahmulah to Celebrate the 1,000th Oceanic Manta Ray Sighting during 2024 Oceanic Manta Season of Fuvahmulah (March-April-May) — Photo: Jasmine Corbet
Fuvahmulah is a unique one-island atoll with a submerged volcanic (extinct) origin. The island consists of coral that has grown over the edge of a submerged mountain, and it features a submerged plateau to the south. Fuvahmulah island measures approximately 4.5 by 1.2 km (2.8 by 0.75 mi) and includes a submerged reef, Rashikede Faro, which extends about 3 km (1.9 mi) southeast. The Rashikede Faro reef hosts the well-known dive site, Farikede, which is a Marine Protected Area. The top reef ranges from 10 to 15 metres deep and slopes into a plateau reaching depths of 35 to over 60 metres.
Unlike other atolls and dive sites in the Maldives, Fuvahmulah lacks the typical submerged pinnacles, known locally as “Thila” or “Giri.” Instead, the island rises dramatically from the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, resembling a vertical cliff. This unique formation supports a rich and diverse ecosystem, with vibrant hard corals blanketing the top reef and extending down the drop-offs to the very limits of recreational diving. Giant Oceanic Mantas can be observed throughout the waters surrounding Fuvahmulah island, offering divers an exceptional experience in this distinct underwater environment.
Fuvahmulah has a rich seafaring history and cultural heritage. Its ancient inhabitants were skilled navigators, traders, farmers, and fishermen who created valuable goods and navigated trade routes, establishing direct trade links with international countries, particularly Sri Lanka. The people of Fuvahmulah have long been aware of the giant oceanic manta rays of Fuvahmulah that migrate to international waters and return to Fuvahmulah island.
In the local scuba diving community of Fuvahmulah, it is believed that the population of oceanic manta rays present from March to May could be the largest in the world. Local divers estimate that the migrating Oceanic Manta population of Fuvahmulah may number around 25,000 individuals. Given the potential size of this population and the critical threat posed by international fisheries, there is an urgent need for increased efforts to identify and record individual manta rays and track their migration patterns. Collecting this data is crucial for the conservation of this important population.
Global Significance of the Manta Population in Fuvahmulah
With the identification of 1,000 individual oceanic manta rays, the Maldives now ranks third globally in terms of oceanic manta ray population, following Ecuador and Mexico. Ecuador boasts the largest oceanic manta population, with 2,803 confirmed individuals and an estimated 22,316 individuals according to Proyecto Mantas Ecuador’s data. The Pacific Manta Research Group has identified nearly 1,400 individuals in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico’s Eastern Pacific waters, placing the Maldives in close competition for the second-largest population.
Fuvahmulah is situated in the heart of the deep equatorial channel of the Maldives. It is a one-island atoll located between Huvadhoo Atoll and Addu Atoll. The coordinates for Fuvahmulah are 0°17′35.56″S, 73°25′24.96″E.
In fact, 90% of black oceanic manta (Melanistic manta) sightings in the Maldives occur in Fuvahmulah. These mantas are highly transient and are rarely re-sighted, spending only brief periods near the reef. Melanistic mantas (black morph) constitute 2% of oceanic manta ray sightings at Fuvahmulah’s cleaning stations. During the mating season from March to May, the congregation of black oceanic mantas makes Fuvahmulah the world’s top diving destination to witness these majestic giants. Currently, most of the over 1,000 identified individuals of oceanic manta from the Maldives are identified at Fuvahmulah. Over 85% of recorded giant oceanic manta sightings in the Maldives occur in Fuvahmulah.
The giant manta ray is a migratory species that visits productive coastlines, oceanic island groups, offshore pinnacles, and seamounts seasonally. These visits vary by region and are likely influenced by factors such as zooplankton movement, current circulation, tidal patterns, seasonal upwelling, seawater temperature, and possibly mating behaviour. Unlike reef manta rays, oceanic manta rays spend much of their time in the open ocean, diving hundreds of metres into the deep scattering layer to feed on zooplankton and spending less time at cleaning stations. With these facts in mind and regular sightings of these giant manta rays in Fuvahmulah during the season, this migrating population that Fuvahmulah has hosted since ancient times could be the world’s largest population. The oceanic manta ray population of Fuvahmulah seems to be highly transient, with individuals spending only brief periods near the reef and rarely being re-sighted due to their behaviour.
Fuvahmulah is home to prolific marine life. It has been declared as a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve. — Photo: Simon Hilbourne
Local scuba divers from Fuvahmulah Atoll in the Maldives frequently encounter oceanic manta rays throughout the year, though the peak season is from March to May, with sightings being rare outside this period. During the peak season, divers often see oceanic mantas on nearly every dive, with encounters ranging from one or two individuals to as many as 12 or 15. Annually during the peak season, local divers in Fuvahmulah encounter over 700 sightings during tourist dive operations. The local diving community believes that the population in Fuvahmulah during March-April-May could be the largest in the world. While scientific research and identification efforts had been limited before 2019, such work began in earnest that year, though the 2020 season was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the 2024 Oceanic Manta Season of Fuvahmulah confirms that this population is currently the third largest globally. With continued identification efforts, it is estimated that the Fuvahmulah population could be recognized as the world’s second largest by the 2025 season.
The Maldives is also home to the largest recorded population of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) in the world, with over 5,000 individuals identified. However reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) do not aggregate in the waters of Fuvahmulah, a unique island of the Maldives that attracts huge pelagic species of the ocean. This dual distinction further establishes the Maldives as a critical region for manta ray conservation and research.
The Ongoing Need for Research and Conservation
While the identification of the 1,000th oceanic manta ray in Maldivian waters is a cause for celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for research and conservation efforts. The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme remains committed to advancing scientific understanding and implementing strategies to protect these iconic marine species.
Key Points:
- Global Ranking: The Maldives now hosts the third-largest recorded population of oceanic manta rays, following Ecuador and Mexico.
- Conservation Milestone: The identification of the 1,000th individual oceanic manta ray, named ‘Anbu,’ marks a significant achievement in marine conservation.
- Fuvahmulah Atoll: Over 85% of sightings in Maldives have been recorded in Fuvahmulah Atoll, highlighting its importance as a oceanic manta ray hotspot.
- Regional Threats: The proximity of Sri Lanka, home to the world’s largest oceanic manta ray fishery, poses a significant threat to the conservation of these species.
- Population Significance: The local scuba diving community in Fuvahmulah believes that the oceanic manta ray population present from March to May could be the largest in the world, with estimates suggesting up to 25,000 individuals. Due to the critical threat from international fisheries, there is an urgent need for intensified efforts to identify and track these mantas to support their conservation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Manta Conservation
The celebration of the 1,000th identified oceanic manta ray in the Maldives at Fuvahmulah island during 2024 Oceanic Manta Season of Fuvahmulah is a testament to the power of collaboration in marine conservation. The efforts of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, along with the support of local communities and dive centres, have contributed to a greater understanding of these endangered species.
However, the ongoing threats posed by regional fisheries, particularly in Sri Lanka, highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation across borders. The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme’s commitment to research and conservation will be crucial in ensuring the long-term survival of oceanic manta rays, not just in the Maldives but across their global range.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of marine conservation, the story of the identification of over 1,000 oceanic manta rays in the Maldives serves as both an inspiration and a call to action. The journey of these gentle giants through the waters of the Indian Ocean reminds us of the intricate connections between marine species and the environments they inhabit, and the responsibility we all share in protecting them for future generations.
Fuvahmulah has gained global acclaim as the premier destination for witnessing the majestic Giant Oceanic Manta Rays. — Photo: Simon Hilbourne
Fuvahmulah, a secluded gem in the Maldives, stands out not only for its breathtaking beauty but also as a prime diving destination renowned for its giant oceanic manta ray sightings. Celebrated as one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fuvahmulah is increasingly recognized as the world’s top location to witness these majestic giants of the ocean.
___________________________________________________________________
Images by: Simon Hilbourne and Jasmine Corbet
Contact: Simon Hilbourne
Maldives Oceanic Manta Project Leader
The Manta Trust / Maldives Manta Conservation Programme
Website: https://www.mantatrust.org
__________________________________________________________________
Leave a Reply