Two years ago, I traveled to Puerto Lopez to complete my first scuba diving immersion. My teacher was Michel Guerrero, the co-founder of Fundación Megafauna Marina del Ecuador (FMME). While diving, I was able to swim with giant manta rays in the waters close to the town of Puerto Lopez. I was captivated by these beautiful creatures and learned much about them. I learned that these animals often get severely injured by getting caught in fishing nets, and that they are frequently fished for their body parts. I also learned that water pollution is a major hazard for these creatures. It takes up to eleven months for the birth of one single manta, but so many are killed and injured yearly that the population is rapidly dwindling. Lastly, I was struck by how much we still have to learn about these animals; greater efforts in research and education are urgently needed to help in their preservation.
With this in mind, I approached Mr. Guerrero to see if there was any way I could collaborate with the foundation. Through various meetings with him, this project slowly took shape. He helped me get in touch with schools in Puerto Lopez and identified ways that I can get involved. This project focuses on one of FMME’s main sub-projects, which aims to gather information and raise awareness about the giant manta ray population in Ecuador. Research about the biology and ecology of the giant manta ray is important because of how little is known about these animals. By bringing awareness to the rarity and unique qualities of these fascinating creatures, specifically in Puerto Lopez in the Machalilla National Park, FMME hopes to preserve the population and minimize the harm that is frequently inflicted on these animals.
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