![]() and providing crucial information for conservation efforts. ![]() ![]() The MantaMeasure is cost-effective, highly accurate and non-invasive, allowing scientists to record manta rays’ dimensions without stressing them They require divers to swim close to the rays, which can be perceivedĪs threatening to these gentle giants and interrupt their feeding, socializing, or even mating. Most methods of measuring manta rays - including visual estimates by trained scuba divers, often using underwater lasers or stereo-video cameras - are potentially disruptive. The MantaMeasure being used to estimate the size of an oceanic manta ray in New Zealand” (Photo by Edy Setyawan) “It’s basically a giant ruler, typically about 2 meters in length,” said Mark Erdmann, a marine biologist at Conservation International. Record the animals’ measurements in relation to the pipe. Now, a new technique for measuring manta rays could offer critical insights into their health, reproductive status, lifespans and whether a population is growing or shrinking.ĭeveloped in partnership with Conservation International, the technique is as simple as it’s effective: A floating PVC pipe deployed near surface-swimming manta rays creates a reference for size, while aerial drones capture images from above to In recent years, populations of these mysterious, winged creatures have plummeted by up to 95 percent in some areas - largely as a result of overfishing or being caught unintentionally - and scientists are scrambling to better understand and Manta rays are some of the most highly intelligent - and threatened - fish in the sea.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |