Pacific Travelers: Decoding the Genetic and Migratory Mysteries of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Giant Manta Rays
Project Leader
Exploring the ecology and population patterns of oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Tracking the Giants of the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Mantas Costa Rica is dedicated to understanding the ecology and population dynamics of oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Our research focuses on mapping the temporal and spatial movements of these majestic animals in the Pacific waters of Costa Rica, an area rich in critical habitat. A key element of our work is the individual identification of manta rays, which helps us build a clearer picture of their population structure, site fidelity, and residency patterns.
PROJECT LEADER
Jeffry Madrigal
Jeffry Madrigal Mesén is a passionate marine biologist with a strong background in ocean conservation. From 2008 to 2013, he worked with Pretoma, collaborating with artisanal fishers and advocating against shark finning and shrimp trawling. Since 2017, his research with Asociación CREMA has focused on migratory sharks and rays, including efforts to identify nursery grounds for scalloped hammerhead sharks.
In 2023, Jeffry founded Mantas Costa Rica, aiming to study manta ray populations across the Eastern Tropical Pacific. His current work tracks the movements of Mobula birostris in Costa Rica and includes a Citizen Science Program that invites divers to contribute valuable data.
Empowering Conservation Through Citizen Science
Recognizing the power of collective effort, in 2021, we launched our Citizen Science Program to expand our reach and deepen impact. This initiative invites dive centers, tour operators, and the broader diving community to contribute sightings and photo data of manta rays. By tapping into this collaborative network, we’re not only collecting more data but also fostering a shared commitment to manta ray conservation—locally in Costa Rica and more broadly throughout the Tropical Eastern Pacific.
Project Gallery
Collection of images collected on this project thanks to the help of our wonderful contributors
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