Manta Conservation Project in Revillagigedo
Antonio Takahiro Ruiz Sakamoto
The waters adjacent to the islands of the archipelago of Revillagigegedo today are one of the last refuges in the Mexican Pacific for the Giant Manta, Manta birostris, although the giant manta were once common in other parts of Mexico, such as the Gulf of California. These organisms are highly charismatic and one of the most popular among the tourist divers creatures. The scientific investigation of these organisms includes its taxonomy, biology, distribution, evolution, ecology, conservation, and fisheries research. Sadly those studies are very few.
However it is also commercially exploited, while in the Mexican Pacific it is considered bycatch and is rarely used, its use in other parts of the world is increasing as the density of other "products" most desired has declined in recent decades. Also in some Asian countries both meat and guts were long considered attractive products for its high culinary and medicinal value.
Today the situation for Giant Mantas is very susceptible to fisheries; density has fallen dramatically in recent years. The reason is attributed to many factors, the most human related. Having as the main reason the uncontrolled fishing for these giants.
Because of this situation research and conservation of Giant Mantas is urgent, so that the management of the species can be efficient and productive. It should seek to use sustainable means to use these great animals and achieve preserve them for the future.
The Manta Conservation Project in Revillagigedo, was created as a branch of the Reef Fauna Conservation Project ( PFA) in order to seek the active protection and conservation of the Giant Manta. It started with the objective to demonstrate that the economic value of a living Mantarray is greater than if it is used in fisheries , this thanks to tourism activities in Revillagigedo.
The project also began a Data base of the individuals of the population trying to identify as many of them as possible by a photo identification, to initiate a single tracking these organisms. However, we have seen that this is only a first step towards the conservation of the species. Currently we aim to active protection of the Giant Mantas in Revillagigedo , seeking the collaboration of the tourism sector.
