THE MANTA MISSION

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OUR VISION

A sustainable future for our communities that supports the thriving populations of devil and manta rays within healthy and diverse marine ecosystems.

OUR MISSION

The Manta Caribbean Project is committed to working collaboratively with communities to conserve manta and devil rays and their habitats in the Yucatan Peninsula. Through thorough scientific research and active engagement, we aim foster a caring relationship between people and the environment.

THE PROJECT

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Manta Caribbean Project is a nonprofit organization based in Isla Mujeres, Mexico that partners with Marine Protected Areas and fosters long-term, trusted relationships with community members in Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and surrounding regions. Through a comprehensive set of strategies, the project seeks to mitigate threats to mobulid rays within this area. Although protective policies for these species exist, effective implementation and increased awareness among stakeholders are crucial as all users share the responsibility for achieving conservation goals.

WHY ITS IMPORTANT

Founder and Director

Karen Fuentes

Project Managers:

Annie Murray

Kanina Harty

Marine Debris Project

Brittany Champey

Designer and Social Media

Alyssa Gunn

Underwater photographer

Valentina Cucchiara

PROJECT START DATE

The purpose of this project is to conduct an in-depth investigation into local manta ray species, specifically the Atlantic Manta Ray (Mobula yarae) and several Devil Ray species, the Atlantic Pygmy Devil Ray (M. hypostoma), Spinetail Devil Ray (Mobula mobular), and Sickelfin Devil Ray (Mobula tarapacana).

Furthermore, we seek to enhance awareness among local communities and marine stakeholders. Given that all mobulid ray species encounter significant global threats, addressing these issues is imperative. By establishing key, trusted partnerships, we can formulate long-term strategic initiatives that promote best practices and ensure adherence to relevant legal frameworks.

May 2013

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Determine and identify populations of manta rays and devil rays in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Record sightings of individuals of mobulids and create a database, within Marine Protected Areas.
Identify potential threats to existing populations for mobulid rays
Improve local and national legislation for the conservation of all mobulid species.

OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

DOWNLOADS

2019 Project

Brochure

2018 Marine Debris Report

2017 Marine Debris Report

EDUCATION

GENERATING CHANGE

During the whole year we organize and participate in educational activities like environment festivals, workshops, conferences to all public, tour operators and school talks to encourage conservation through education with the local communities in Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox and other areas in Quintana Roo State.

We believe that without education there is no transition towards conservation, that s why we work to raise awareness in the community about the challenges we have as a society in order to diminish the impacts in natural resources and the commitment we have to act now for the good of future generations.