Advancing Manta Research with Ultrasound Technology in Laamu Atoll
January 2025
In 2024, the Manta Trust continued to push the boundaries of manta ray research with groundbreaking ultrasound technology in Laamu Atoll. The use of contactless ultrasound scans to study the reproductive health of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) has become a crucial tool in understanding the species' biology and supporting its conservation. While previous research using this technology has already been published, the team remains dedicated to collecting additional data, furthering their understanding, and refining the knowledge gained. Over the past year, the team has made steady progress, building on expert training and collaborative efforts.
A researcher takes a sonogram of a reef manta ray in the Maldives © Guy Stevens
The year began with an exciting endeavour when filmmaker Mark Sharman joined the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) team for a special filming visit. The goal was to document the research happening across the MUI team including the Manta Trust’s exciting ultrasound research on manta rays. This was no small feat, as scanning manta rays typically occurs during peak season, between May and June. Despite the odds, the team decided to bring the ultrasound scanner along during Mark’s visit in January, knowing that any opportunity to scan a manta would be invaluable.
The team’s patience paid off. During a dive at one of Laamu’s well-known cleaning station sites Hithadhoo Corner, a large female manta ray—later identified as Scooter Scooby—approached the team. Calm and curious, she hovered above the cleaning station, allowing the team to conduct multiple scans, including a successful scan that lasted over two minutes. To the delight of everyone involved, the scan was captured on film, representing Marks’ first-ever footage of an ultrasound scan on a manta. Later in the dive, the team was fortunate enough to be able to scan a second female manta, Pina Colada, bringing the total number of scans on that day to six.
These scans, conducted under specific research permits from the EPA and the Hithadhoo Council, provide essential data on manta ray reproduction. Ultrasound technology, which allows researchers to study manta rays in a noninvasive manner, is vital for monitoring pregnancies and understanding gestation in this endangered species.
A team member takes a sonogram of a reef manta ray in Laamu © Mark Sharman
In addition to the technical advancements, the team also had the privilege of welcoming Manta Trust’s Director of Conservation Programmes, Rebecca Carter, for the first time to Six Senses Laamu. During her visit, Rebecca and the team had the opportunity to discuss the Manta Trust's five-year plan, their current strategies, and the impact reporting mechanisms that will guide future conservation efforts.
Rebecca’s visit was not only strategic but also filled with some much-needed manta luck. Throughout her week at the resort, the team experienced multiple manta ray sightings. During one of these encounters, Bex was able to assist the team and conduct two successful ultrasound scans of female manta rays, although neither were found to be pregnant. Despite this, the scans still provided valuable data for the team and contributed to their growing understanding of manta ray reproductive behaviours.
Manta Trust’s Director of Conservation Programmes, Rebecca Carter, conducting her first sonograms © Miriam Staiger
In November, the Manta Trust welcomed Ray Rochester, one of the key contributors in the development of the Duo-Scan:Go Oceanic ultrasound unit, for a series of workshops and practical dives aimed at further honing the skills of the new Manta Trust team members. Ray has played a key role in the development of this groundbreaking technology, which allows for the contactless scanning of wild marine animals at depths of up to 30 meters.
Before Ray's arrival, the Manta Trust team underwent a transition, with new members taking the reins. As a result, Ray’s visit was a timely and invaluable opportunity for the team, offering expert guidance during practical fieldwork. While the team had already received foundational training, Ray’s hands-on workshops provided crucial support in refining scanning techniques and image interpretation. His visit helped the team further develop their skills and build confidence in using the ultrasound technology, which will be essential for their ongoing research.
Ultrasound practice with Aslam Mohamed and Ray Rochester in Laamu Atoll © Summer Newton
The ultrasound technology used in Laamu is the result of a successful collaboration between Ray Rochester, IMV Imaging, Vetsonic (UK) Ltd, the University of Cambridge, Six Senses Laamu, and the Manta Trust. This partnership has not only led to the development of the Duo-Scan:Go Oceanic but has also resulted in key research publications, such as the 2023 study on underwater contactless ultrasonography to investigate the reproductive activity of manta and devil rays.
With Laamu home to over 150 reef manta rays, the ongoing research conducted by the Manta Trust team is providing invaluable insights into the reproductive behaviour of these majestic creatures. The team is particularly proud that some of the manta rays studied in Laamu were featured in the 2023 publication, which has been a significant contribution to the global understanding of manta ray ecology.
An annotated sonogram from a Laamu manta ray
As the Manta Trust team builds on the success of these ultrasound scans, they remain committed to advancing their research and conservation efforts in Laamu. The training provided by Ray, along with the continued use of ultrasound technology, will allow the team to make even greater strides in understanding manta ray biology. The team is excited to contribute to a growing body of research that will inform conservation strategies and help protect these incredible creatures for future generations.
With continued innovation and collaboration, the Manta Trust and Six Senses Laamu are poised to remain at the forefront of manta ray research and conservation, ensuring the long-term health of Laamu’s manta populations.
SUMMER NEWTON
Laamu Atoll Project Manager
Maldives Manta Conservation Programme