Marine Protected Area

Revillagigedo Islands, a grouping of volcanic islands, Socorro, Clarion, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida, sits offshore of Baja California. It's a 24-hour journey into the Pacific Ocean. These islands intersect with currents that bring in large aggregations of megafauna (large and giant animals), including Giant Manta Rays.

These graceful creatures can have up to a 23ft wingspan. Each one has a unique pattern on their bellies, making it possible to identify individuals. Manta Trust, a non-profit organization, tracks and studies the mantas using these patterns. I provided all my pictures and videos to their database. Check out their website to learn more about their research and how citizen scientists play a role. 

Manta Trust's Website

Giant Manta Rays are on the endangered species list. In 2017, the Mexican government expanded the marine protected area and created the largest protected marine reserve in North America. The navy is stationed on San Benedicto Island and their presence enforces the laws and keeps out fishing operations. Scuba diving vessels also have to check in on each trip and follow strict park rules. The rules included things like limiting dive time, number of divers in the water at once, and the number of vessels on each dive site. The most import rule was not chasing the animals. If you were kicking, you were chasing. The best part of these rules is the results. The animals feel comfortable enough to come close, over and over, cruising by every diver. Notice how the diver are vertical, staying stationary and enjoying the show.

The success of this MPA was evident to me the moment I dipped below the surface. The amount of life was so spectacular, it became hard to know exactly where to look at any given moment.​

​I hope more areas can become protected so that these beautiful species can thrive.
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