Manta Watch NZ

Oceanic Manta Rays and Spinetail Devil Rays are both Globally Endangered species with many of the world's populations in serious decline. In Aotearoa NZ, we simply don’t know enough about these big ocean wanderers to properly protect them and that's why we need your help!

By submitting your manta and devil ray sightings to MWNZ, you are actively contributing towards vital research that will support the long-term conservation management for these amazing animals.

Every sighting, whether real time or historic, helps us build a better understanding of how manta and devil rays are using our waters, their population size, and the threats they may be exposed to.

Photos and videos are how we learn about populations and individual rays, so the more manta-media that you can share the better! Manta rays make life slightly easier by having unique patterns on their heads and bellies aka ID Zones. If we can successfully identify a manta from your photos/videos and it is new to our Photo ID Database, then you get to name your manta.

Through our satellite tagging work we have confirmed that both manta and devil rays migrate thousands of kilometres out of NZ waters each autumn up into the wider SW Pacific towards Fiji, Tonga and beyond, before coming back home to NZ in spring! As manta and devils travel out of NZ waters, they are no longer a protected species and are at the most risk. So, if you’re cruising between or around those parts and spot our flappy friends we’d love that data too.

Once submitted, you’ll be able to check out your sightings on our website.

Thanks so much for your support and good luck!