Manta Project
The Manta project focuses on the biology and ecology of the endangered Spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular) in the Mediterranean Sea. It aims to uncover the species' migration patterns, the connectivity between its subpopulations, and its behaviour. By providing essential data on the species’ movements, the project supports the development of effective strategies for its protection while contributing to broader conservation efforts.
Overview of Spinetail Devil Ray
Little is known about the graceful giant that is the Spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular). Initially thought to be endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, it was not until 2017 that a similar species, Mobula japanica (distributed worldwide outside of the Mediterranean), was recognized as conspecific to M. Mobular.
As a result, both are now considered a single species with a wider distribution. Given the limited information available on the Spinetail devil ray, much remains to be discovered about its population size and structure, migration patterns, and behaviours related to mating and social interactions, both within its species and with other marine life.
ABOUT MANTA PROJECT
Conservation Efforts and Research Initiatives
What we do know is that these rays are completely harmless to humans, can reach a span of up to 3.2 metres, and have a lifespan of around 20 years. Spinetail devil rays have one of the lowest reproduction rates among sharks and rays. They are viviparous, giving birth to a single live pup after a gestation period of about two years.
Spinetail devil rays play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. They are filter-feeders that consume zooplankton (e.g., krill) and small fish. To find these prey, manta and devil rays swim long distances in search of waters rich in their food sources. As they move, they filter countless volumes of water through their gills, retaining and ingesting the prey.
The Spinetail devil ray is listed as an endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status is primarily due to high by-catch mortality, as well as plastic and other types of pollution. Additionally, the species faces challenges in population recovery due to its low reproductive rate.
It is therefore urgent to enhance conservation efforts for Spinetail devil rays, such as our Manta project. This initiative facilitates the collection of crucial data on their seasonal occurrence, migration patterns, and behaviour, which will inform national, regional, and international policy frameworks for the conservation of sharks and rays. Notably, the Balearic Islands have been identified as a hotspot for Spinetail devil rays, where they aggregate during the summer. This makes the waters around the archipelago an ideal location for scientific research on the species, including studies on their density, habitat use, migration patterns, and exposure to human impacts like fisheries, navigation, and pollution. To date, the Save the Med team has ventured into deep waters to manually tag Spinetail devil rays with satellite tags. This process allows our biologists to collect and analyse data on their movements, trajectories, and swimming depths. The tagging is performed carefully to ensure that it does not disturb or harm the rays, with the tag being inserted superficially into their skin using a harpoon from a distance. For our team members, this undertaking involves much more than just research—it requires a boat to venture out to sea, a small plane to aid in spotting the mantas, diving gear, a bit of serendipity, determination, and, above all, patience. To date, the Save the Med team has tagged 5 Spinetail devil rays and recorded over 360 sightings of the species. Our efforts have yielded unique behavioural data, including recording dives exceeding 600 metres in depth and a remarkable 650 km journey to the Gulf of Genoa (Ligurian Sea). Save the Med is also a member of the Atlantic Manta Coalition, an international network of scientists dedicated to studying manta and devil rays and developing effective conservation strategies. The Manta project aims to further our understanding of Spinetail devil ray ecology and behaviour by fostering collaborations with research centres across Spain and the Mediterranean basin (France, Italy, Malta). Additionally, the project seeks to raise public awareness by delivering a compelling message about biodiversity conservation, supported by scientific data and multimedia gathered throughout the project.
Participatory governance at play
Since 2018, Save the Med has been running community engagement projects focused on protecting the area's biodiversity and encouraging a culture of regeneration. These projects are designed to connect people with the sea, helping them learn more about their environment. They also inspire citizens to take responsibility for protecting nature and get involved in decision-making through participatory governance.
As a result of these efforts, community members have come together to form the Xarxa Dragonera Blava (Blue Dragonera Network). This group includes people from different sectors, all working with a shared goal: to protect the local marine ecosystems.
What is the Xarxa?
The Xarxa Dragonera Blava (XDB) is a social network for the Sa Dragonera community. It brings together local citizens, government representatives, experts, activists, and anyone who wants to help regenerate the region. Its purpose is to create participatory governance for the marine area around Sa Dragonera, ensuring that the community is actively involved in making decisions about its management.
How Does It Work?
The process starts by building strong community relationships and learning about the area's values and threats. Once this understanding is shared, the community sets goals collaboratively. These goals are tackled through participatory forums, where community input shapes how the marine area is managed. This includes working with different local sectors to implement best practices . Additionally, three working groups have been formed to focus on specific local issues in the municipality of Andratx: Education & Best Practices, Mooring & Anchoring, and Water Quality.
Successful outcomes from the Xarxa and its bottom-up approach include launching an environmental good-practice campaign for visitors and establishing a community-led protocol for mooring and anchoring among local boat owners to help reduce overcrowding in Sa Dragonera's waters. These achievements are a direct result of the participatory governance of the Xarxa’s working groups, allowing local community inputs to tackle issues and contribute solutions.
Join us
Save the Med envisions restoring biodiversity through active community and stakeholder engagement. By increasing knowledge about the sea, involving people in caring for the area, improving practices at sea, and setting up a stewardship program with participative management, our goal is to bring back the rich biodiversity of Sa Dragonera.
To learn more about the Xarxa Dragonera Blava and its upcoming activities, visit the project's website. Get involved and help us restore Sa Dragonera’s marine biodiversity!
450+
Records gathered since 2018
Up to 40 individuals
Record of aggregations
5 Spinetail
Devil rays tagged with satellite tracks
