Guy Joseph MantaWatch aWard 2012

Like a fingerprint, unique markings between the gills enable individual mantas to be identified. MantaWatchs participative approach to conservation uses photos of these markings to assess populations and track migrations.

Supported by the Guy Joseph MantaWatch Award, two Indonesian marine science students successfully completed a manta ray research and conservation internship in Komodo National Park during October 2012, becoming the first manta ray scientists in Indonesia. Guy worked as a dive instructor in Komodo from 2010 to 2011. Here, he helped to establish MantaWatch, a community-based manta ray monitoring program that assists divers, dive centers and local communities to monitor and protect their local manta populations. An encounter with the majestic manta ray is an awe-inspiring experience that draws divers and snorkelers from around the world. But this graceful creature is under threat: its gills are a key ingredient in unproven Chinese medicines; its wings are a low cost substitute to dwindling sources of shark fin for the shark fin soup trade. Indonesia is the worlds largest exporter of shark and ray products. The Guy Joseph MantaWatch Award represents the realization of a vision shared by Guy and MantaWatch Director Andy Harvey. A vision to raise awareness about the plight of manta rays, and to assist local scientists to access the skills, training and support that would enable them to take action to protect this ecologically, socially and economically important species. Dita Rustandi and Muhammad Ichsan were selected from more than 30 undergraduate applicants for the Award. They joined MantaWatch in Komodo

The 2012 Guy Joseph MantaWatch Award assisted Dita and Ichsan to become the first manta ray scientists and ambassadors in Indonesia.

Muhammad Ichsan prepares for a manta survey. He is currently writing his thesis using data collected during the internship.

Mantas exhibit signs of intelligence. Their brains are much larger than other fish, comparable in size to that of a mammal.

Dita Rustandi surfaces after her first manta dive. An encounter with the magestic manta ray is an awe-inspiring experience.

A MantaWatcher takes a manta ID photo. Using photos submitted by divers, Ichsan and other MantaWatch scientists can assess population trends.

Young and old listen with rapt attention to Ditas manta briefing. By adopting the MantaWatch Code of Conduct, divers can maximise their manta encounters and improve their manta ID photos, while minimising negative impacts on manta rays and their ecosystem.

National Park for four weeks to learn about the ecology, threats and management of manta rays, and to develop professional research and conservation skills. The internship began with an intense week of classroom and in-water training, based on an educational program developed by Guy. Dita and Ichsan then joined a 4-day manta expedition, putting their new skills into practice at some of Komodos more remote manta aggregation sites. Gaining confidence in their new knowledge and skills, Dita and Ichsan went on to accompany Komodos dive operators, giving presentations and briefings to guests above the water, collecting vital manta population data below the water, and encouraging divers to contribute to the research goals of the Guys Trust MantaWatch internship by uploading their own manta sightings online. The many highlights of the internship include completing 42 survey dives, analysing more than 1,200 manta ID photos, receiving more than 100 manta sightings via MantaWatch.com, and identifying 80 individual manta rays. This internship generated an important baseline for the status of Komodos manta populations, and has kick started a monitoring program that will be continued by local dive operators and divers. Dita and Ichsan organised a seminar at Padjadjaran University to share their personal and professional experiences with fellow students on November 7. Ichsan is now developing his thesis on the dynamics of Komodos manta ray populations, using data he collected during the internship. These exciting outcomes have been made possible through the generous support of Guys Trust, and in-kind support from local dive operators including Dive Komodo, Divine Diving and Kanawa Island Diving. The Guy Joseph MantaWatch Award has strengthened Dita and Ichsans education and professional development, supported the conservation of Komodos manta rays, and will increase awareness surounding Indonesias vote in support of listing manta rays on CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) in 2013.

Dita and Laura Smelter, MantaWatchs Training and Education Specialist, look to the horizon. Dita and Ichsans new skills and experince will assist them to become ambassadors for the protection of manta rays in Indonesia.

Dita proudly receives her Guys Trust MantaWatch Award, certifying her as Indonesias first manta ray scientist.