A new project being supported by YFS. Lydia runs Manta Watch NZ is an experienced marine ecologist and has worked with Manta rays since 2013. Watch more here. The biggest challenge for Manta Watch is consistent and quality time out in the field. The smaller vessels they use are heavily governed by weather, drastically reducing their time to data collect and tag. Larger vessels that can remain ‘on-station’ with better facilities onboard. This is where yachts for science is helping find Lydia and her team larger boats.
The bulk of the research is carried out between December and March, this is when the oceanic manta rays are most prolific in the Haruaki gulf and Northern NE cost of NZ North Island, from North Cape to East Cape. Would a project like this be of interest? Please contact Rosie@yachtsforscience.com for more information.