Sightings

Sightings Map

Oceanic manta rays are a globally endangered species. Currently the biggest threat to Aotearoa’s manta rays is the lack of data. We simply don’t know enough about these animals to protect them.

By submitting your sightings to Manta Watch NZ, you are directly contributing to our national research and conservation efforts.

Submit your images and sightings on the form below and in return, we will provide feedback about the manta(s) you encountered and if your manta is new to our database you will be given the opportunity to name your manta ray!

Download our Data Collection Guide so you know exactly what type of data we would like you to collect so that we can get the most value out of your sightings.

Finally, to ensure that your manta rays encounters are safe and respectful for all concerned please check out and download our Best Practice Guide.

 

Manta Images & Videos:

Please send your high resolution manta media to the project via email mantawatchnewzealand@gmail.com or any of these free online transfer methods:

We Transfer, Dropbox, Google Drive

Total Sightings: 752

  • Citizen Scientists: 526
  • Fisheries: 28
  • Manta Watch NZ: 198

= Spinetail Devil Rays

= Oceanic Manta Rays

Submit a Sighting

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Please provide a valid name.
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Please provide a location.
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Please provide a valid temperature.
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Please provide a valid value for latitude degrees, between -90 and 90.
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Please provide a valid value for latitude minutes, between 0 and 59.
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Please provide a valid value for latitude seconds, between 0 and 59.
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Please provide a valid value for longitude degrees, between -180 and 180.
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Please provide a valid value for longitude minutes, between 0 and 59.
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Please provide a valid value for longitude seconds, between 0 and 59.
Convert Decimal Degrees to DMS
Ocean Manta Ray
Spinetail Devil Ray
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Cruising

Moving slowly on or just under water surface

Feeding

Backwards rolls at surface / actively moving through zooplankton i.e. krill swarms

Cleaning

Hovering just above the reef and interacting with small reef fish

Courtship

One or more pairs of manta rays, one actively chasing or shadowing the other

We would love as many images and/or bits of footage as possible. The more you share, the more we can learn about your encounter.

Feel free to email us at mantawatchnewzealand@gmail.com if you have additional photos or footage to share.

Example of a good ID photo, showing the dorsal zone of a manta ray Example of a good ID photo, showing the belly of a manta ray and it's spots clearly

Note: Images / footage that clearly capture the highlighted area can be used to ID your manta ray.