Costa Rican Manta Ray Project

The Costa Rican Manta Project hopes to build an extensive photo ID database of Oceanic Manta Rays along the Pacific Coast. We are currently based in Guanacaste and working with the public, researchers and local divers to collect their photos and videos of mantas. We are able to identify different mantas by photographing the ventral pattern on the underside of the individuals. These patterns are unique like a finger print and it allows us to track each manta and their movements over time. By learning more about the mantas and their movements around the Bat Islands and Las Catalinas, we will have a clearer idea on how to better protect them and their habitat. We aim to work closely with tourists, local communities and businesses to conserve mantas by carrying out scientific research, education, community based initiatives and government legislation.