Citizen Science and Community Engagement

Citizen science – the active involvement of the public in scientific research – is an important source of knowledge. The increasing affordability of equipment such as underwater cameras, computers and smartphones, has resulted in an explosion of public participation in citizen science projects worldwide. Manta Catalog was created to utilise the power of citizen science to aid in the research and conservation of mobulid rays in the Eastern Atlantic.

The general public can share their sightings and contribute our photo-ID catalog, where individuals are identified through photographs of their unique ventral markings. Information gathered during activities such as snorkeling or diving, can provide valuable information on population sizes and demographics, assessments of migration routes, and temporal patterns of occurrence.

Community engagement is crucial in addressing global threats, such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Consumption habits determine market flows, and conscious choices can make a difference. Conservation campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives are also important steps to actively engage members of the public in manta ray protection.

Citizen Science provides both scientific (data collection) and engagement benefits. It is also expected that mobilising citizens should lead to other outcomes like education, awareness-raising, and action.

Most of MCA’s work has been conducted in collaboration with local dive operators and their guests, who support the project as ‘Citizen Scientists’. Guests contribute any ID photos captured during their dives, and dive operators report any sightings of mobulas that occurred throughout the season. More recently, local recreational fishermen have also undertaken to report any future encounters they have with these animals.