Meet the Team - Clare Baranowski, Global Database Manager
November 2023
Clare cruising on her SUP board in the Maldives.
Clare is the Global Database Manager for the Manta Trust and she has answered all of our questions about her background, the challenges she has faced in the conservation field, and what inspired her to get involved in manta ray conservation…
1. Tell us about your first manta/devil ray encounter.
My first devil ray encounter occurred whilst I was working in Belize after graduating from university. I was snorkelling around a Caye at sunset, when suddenly something appeared ahead of me. It flew like a bird and had intricate eyes with two horn-like cephalic fins! It was my first ever mobula ray sighting! I didn’t know at the time that I would work with these animals one day!
Clare getting an ID shot of a manta ray.
2. How did you come to be involved with the Manta Trust?
I am currently the Global Database Manager for the Manta Trust although my work with the charity began with an internship in the Maldives where I helped collect data on reef manta rays during dive surveys in 2015. In 2016, I went on to help to develop an Oceanic manta ray database in Northern Pacific region of Costa Rica. When I moved to Costa Rica, I was excited to see Oceanic manta rays on dives. I learnt that many other divers were seeing them more regularly and even getting photos. At this time, photos were not checked for IDs so, I liaised with dive companies and NGOs in the region, and they offered photos and videos so we could create a public access manta ray database. The project has grown slowly over the years and is still in existence today due to its management by Connect Ocean.
Clare with an oceanic manta ray, Costa Rica.
3. What legacy would you like to leave in your field of research/conservation?
I hope the work I do will ensure that areas used by manta and devil rays are protected by governments through policy change and marine protected areas. The aim of the work I do, both now and previously, is to collect and organise data on how and why manta rays use specific areas and how frequently they use them. With this evidence, we are able to present a clear case as to why certain regions need to be protected in order to ensure the conservation of these amazing species.
Clare leading an education session in the Maldives.
4. What is the most challenging part of your work?
Gathering enough data! In Costa Rica and also many projects around the world, the Oceanic manta rays are shy and can be seen in places that can be challenging to get to! This is why we rely on the public to help us collect data, so thank you so much to everyone that has ever submitted a manta or devil ray sighting to Manta Trust!
Clare in her happy place!
5. What is the most surprising thing you have learnt about manta/devil rays?
Just how inquisitive they can be! Whether it is a tiny newborn manta ray that wants to work out what a snorkeller or diver is, or an oceanic manta ray that has just arrived close to land and wants to get a better look at you! The moments I have had in the water with these animals will give me memories for a lifetime.
Clare rescuing an entangled manta ray in Mozambique.
6. If you could ask people to do one thing to help - what would it be?
Be aware of the waste you create in this world! Whether it is invisible in the emissions we create, or the water, food, and rubbish we throw away. Think carefully about the travel you undertake and the meals you eat, as our fast-paced life style is impacting the ocean and the animals within it through pollution, climate change and entanglement. We can all help to alleviate these pressures through changes in our lifestyle.
Clare Baranowski
Global Database Manager, Manta Trust