Project Manta Ningaloo Reef

Globally rays and sharks are under threat from fishing pressure and changes in the food sources caused by rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change. Join Earthwatch scientists to evaluate how effective current marine protected areas are at protecting Ningaloo ecosystem.

Recreational and commercial fishing, unregulated tourism, and plastic pollution have changed the quality and availability of food sources for marine predators throughout our oceans. Join us in the crystal waters of Ningaloo Reef to examine how these, and other pressures, are impacting the area’s food web.

Ningaloo Reef supports an abundance of life, with more than 570 fish species, 250 coral species and 600 mollusk species recorded so far, along with many marine invertebrates, and of course, the majestic manta rays. Its most famous inhabitants are the imposing whale sharks, which gather around the reef between March and August each year. And from August to October, thousands of humpback whales make a spectacular sight as they pass by Ningaloo during their annual migration.

On this expedition, you’ll be snorkeling the waters and working on small boats to identify locations where mantas and other large predators come to feed and be cleaned. You’ll be helping to collect samples of food sources, for example, plankton tows, that will help build our understanding of how the local resources are changing. With this knowledge, we can better protect this UNESCO World Heritage site, and determine if current Marine Protected Areas around Australia are effectively protecting the Ningaloo’s biodiversity.