Bertarelli-Annual-Report-2024-FULL - Flipbook - Page 19
Marine Science 2024
Limited catch recording presents a significant barrier
to effective management, so the project team, in
collaboration with the University of Plymouth, established
the Mobulid Ambassador Scheme. Funded by Darwin Plus
Local and the Bertarelli Foundation, the initiative trained
personnel on Diego Garcia in species identification and
data collection. Ambassadors were selected through
outreach events attended by over 160 participants,
including 36 who completed specialised Mobulid
Identification Training Workshops. Twelve individuals from
diverse sectors, including enforcement authorities, longterm contractors from the Philippines and India, and shortterm residents from the UK and US military, FCDO, and UK
police, were appointed as Mobulid Ambassadors. Since
its implementation, the ambassador network has provided
critical data to support illegal fisheries enforcement and
improve knowledge of mobulid habitats, contributing to
enhanced conservation efforts within the MPA.
Mobulid Ray Conservation
in the Chagos Archipelago
Lead Investigators: Dr. Joanna Harris,
University of Plymouth
The Chagos Manta Ray Project deployed Fastloc-GPS
Argos satellite tags to track location data, dive behaviour,
and migration patterns. This research has identified seven
previously unknown feeding hotspots and key migration
routes, while dive data indicate a strong association with
mesopelagic ecosystems—areas increasingly targeted by
fisheries. These findings highlight the need for enhanced
spatial management measures. Additionally, the project
has identified 217 individual reef manta rays through inwater photography and camera traps, bringing the total
documented population to 328. These data inform marine
spatial planning efforts, improve our understanding of reef
manta ray ecology, and strengthen conservation strategies
within the MPA and across their range.
Manta ray, Chagos © Simon Hilbourne
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