14 Aug
2006 - Mabini, the Philippines – Nine manta rays
were recently spotted for the first time in 20
years gliding through Basura, the internationally-renowned
dive site in the Philippines.
“We were observing a group of
seahorses when the manta rays swooped by us,”
recalls Raymond Bersamin, an experienced diver
who captured the sighting on video.
According to divers, manta rays
do not frequent the area — about a three-hour
drive south from the capital, Manila — which was
once known more for its accumulated refuse than
marine life.
“The area has been a popular
site for small fish and unusual invertebrates,”
said Marlyn Santiago, a site coordinator with
WWF-Philippines. “The spotting of the rays, however,
is a good indicator that the local ecological
conditions are improving.”
In addition to manta rays, divers
have also witnessed sea turtles and dolphins returning
to the area.
Working to restore the area's
once rich marine biodiversity, WWF, in close coordination
with the local government of Mabini, has been
implementing a coastal resource management programme
for several years, including the creation of community-based
marine law enforcement units and funding other
marine conservation activities. Currently, WWF
is assisting the local municipality in developing
water-use and zoning plans for Mabini’s waters
to further enhance coastal resource management
in the area.
The manta ray, or giant manta
(Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays,
measuring up to 6.7m across its pectoral fins
(or “wings”) and weighing up to 1350kg. It ranges
throughout the tropical seas of the world — typically
around coral reefs — consuming plankton and other
small organisms. Acting as a giant living filter,
the manta ray helps restore water clarity, and
by extension, photosynthesis — a process that
is crucial to the continued health of coastal
habitats and the marine food chain.
“It makes perfect sense to see
mantas and other marine species here,” added WWF-Philippines
President Lory Tan.
“Conservation efforts are helping
make sure that there is enough food for them along
the coast of Mabini.”
Gregg Yan, Media Officer
