Extent and Economic Value of Manta Ray Watching in Maldives

Abstract

Manta rays, Manta alfredi, are a major attraction for tourist divers and snorkelers in the Republic of Maldives (central Indian Ocean). The aims of this study were to assess the extent and economic value of manta ray watching in the Maldives, by surveys of tourist numbers at manta diving sites, and from interviews with experienced divers. Ninety-one manta dive sites were identified, where tourists made an estimated 143,000 dives and over 14,000 snorkels annually during 2006-2008. This was estimated to be worth about US$8.1 million per year in direct revenue. The growth of manta ray watching has provided support for both research and conservation in the Maldives. However, there are indications that at the most popular manta dive sites the large numbers of visiting divers and snorkelers may be having a negative impact on manta numbers. There is a need for improved tourist education, and perhaps for regulation of diver numbers at some sites.

Distribution, site affinity and regional movements of the manta ray, Manta alfredi (Krefft, 1868), along the east coast of Australia

“…This information is of management as well as scientific interest as this species is one of the principal targets of recreational dive and ecotourism operations globally (Homma et al 1999;Anderson 2002;Australian Government 2009;Anderson et al 2011). In addition, although threats for M. alfredi in eastern Australia are unquantified, the species is likely to be vulnerable to unregulated diving tourism (e.g.…”

“…In addition, although threats for M. alfredi in eastern Australia are unquantified, the species is likely to be vulnerable to unregulated diving tourism (e.g. Anderson et al 2011) and as non-target by-catch in coastal fisheries, including shark safety net programs (Paterson 1990;Krogh and Reid 1996).…”

Characteristics of a manta ray Manta alfredi ­population off Maui, Hawaii, and implications for management

“…For example, codes of conduct for manta ray dive operators have been implemented in Kona, Hawaii, Western Australia (Daw & McGregor 2008), Mozambique, Bora Bora, French Polynesia (de Rosemont 2008) and the Maldives (Anderson et al 2011). Elements of the code include minimizing the number of divers around the manta rays, keeping divers in tight controlled groups, restricting the touching of animals and using approach methods that minimize stress on the manta rays.…”

“…Models of adult male and adult female residency fitted to the residency rate data using QAIC methods to determine the best model (in bold). QAIC model fitting was chosen over AIC model-fitting because of variance overdispersion alternating monsoon currents, supplying rich zooplankton blooms that support a manta ray population numbering into the thousands (Anderson et al 2011). It was not possible to reliably estimate manta ray abundance for the entire 5 yr period using markrecapture methods because the assumption of a closed population could not be met.…”

A Rapid Assessment Technique to Assist Management of the White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias) Cage Dive Industry, South Australia

“…At that time the annual value of whale shark tourism was estimated at 4.7 million AUD [6]. The economic benefit to the local community of the Maldives from shark diving was estimated at 2.3 million USD in 1993 [7,8], while in 2007 the annual *Address correspondence to this author at the CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Marine and Atmospheric Research. GPO Box 1538, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001; Tel: (+61 3) 6232 5077; Fax: (+61 3) 6232 5000; E-mail: Russ.Bradford@csiro.au revenue from shark diving in the Bahamas was estimated at 78 million USD [9].…”