Manta Rays Nusa Lembongan are one of the biggest highlights when diving with us. People travel here from all over the world to see these majestic creatures. Furthermore, Manta Point and Manta Bay are some of our most requested dive sites. Let’s learn about why these marine animals are so popular, how you can see them either diving or snorkeling with us, and their conservation!
WHAT ARE MANTA RAYS NUSA LEMBONGAN?
Manta rays are a type of large cartilaginous fish. They consist of two species, the Reef manta ray, and Oceanic manta ray. Reef mantas are slightly smaller and grow up to 5.5 meters wide. On the other hand, Oceanic manta rays can grow up to 8.8 meters wide. The Reef manta ray is what you will usually see in our waters. However, it is still possible to spot Oceanic manta rays.
Morphology
The morphology of these two species is roughly the same. It is very easy to identify these magical creatures. You can recognize them from their two pectoral fins, much like the wings of a bird. Many refer to them as “flying carpets” or “birds of the sea.” In addition, their mouths consist of cephalic lobes that extend forward.
Mantas have a flat body and long whip-like tail. Furthermore, their large rectangular mouths allow them to capture their food. Their diet consists of tiny creatures known as zooplankton. They simply filter through the water using their gill rakers. It does not use teeth to eat!
Coloration
In terms of color, they can vary. You will most likely spot one with a dark upper body and white bottom. Furthermore, they often have patches on their undersides. Each pattern is unique and is how we identify every Manta ray. Moreover, there are special color variations such as the “Ninja manta ray” which is all black. We work with MantaWatch to help ID manta rays. You can help as well by submitting photos.
MANTA RAYS NUSA LEMBONGAN CONDUCT
We have created these set of guidelines for a safe and fun time when diving with Mantas. At the same time, we aim to ensure the health and safety of our resident wildlife. The main goal is for the Manta rays to be undisturbed at cleaning stations. It is very important for them to be cleaned of parasites at these stations. Once settled, they will remain for long periods of time. This definitely allows for a better dive.
Not everyone is able to scuba dive but our concern remains the same for swimmers and snorkelers. As a result, you can get our best tips on how to swim with those gentle giants HERE.
MANTA RAYS NUSA LEMBONGAN CONSERVATION
Our waters here in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area are lucky enough to be the site of many juvenile Manta rays. This is an indication that breeding grounds are close by. Female mantas reach their reproductive stage around 8-10 years old. Males do so earlier, at around 6 years. Their fertility rates are quite low and each female usually only has one or two offspring. This is why careful protection of their populations are so important!
Diving with Mantas in our waters is located at Manta Bay and Manta Point. At Manta Bay, you will see most juvenile males who are feeding. Research has shown that the same Mantas will repeatedly return to this site. Furthermore, this shows that it is part of a nursery habitat and is crucial towards the local Manta ray population.
Manta Point on the other hand is full of mature Manta rays. They come to this site to visit the many cleaning stations. It is very important to their health for them to get parasites off their body!
MAIN THREATS TO MANTA RAYS
Pollution
Besides over-tourism, there are two main factors that pose the greatest threat to Manta rays. Firstly, it is pollution. During the rainy season, the streets in Indonesia are often flooded and much of the trash ends up washed out to sea. It is not uncommon to see a lot of trash floating about during this season. This is very harmful to Manta ray health. Research has shown that Manta rays ingest and filter 90m3 of water per hour. With the amount of trash in the waters, they end up taking in a large amount of microplastic.
Marine Megafauna Foundation has determined that they will take in 63 pieces of plastic per hour of feeding in our waters. It is very important to improve our trash management systems to keep Manta ray populations healthy. Moreover, pieces of fishing line or other debris can get stuck on Manta rays which will injury them. It has been shown that this affects up to 14% of Manta rays in our waters.
Overfishing
The other threat to Manta rays is overfishing. Though they are not targeted as a food source, some fishermen still hunt them for the Chinese traditional medicine trade. Raising awareness against these practices and tightening conservation laws will help curb this. Nevertheless, many Manta rays will still get caught in bycatch. Again, raising awareness to fishermen in regards to their benefits in conservation can help populations. A Manta ray brings in many dollars in terms of tourism, and are more important alive than dead.
Overtourism
The popularity of these two dive sites does pose a problem. Large amounts of tourist vessels will stress out these creatures. Findings from the Marine Megafauna Foundation have determined that seasonal closures of these sites will greatly benefit these populations. Furthermore, it is important for operators to follow Green-Fins protocols. This will mitigate the effects of over-tourism.
