The Florida Manta Project
The International SeaKeepers Society and the Marine Megafauna Foundation have partnered together to bring awareness to South Florida on a dedicated study of Florida’s manta rays.
What’s This Project About?
Florida’s manta rays are being injured—simply because most people don’t know they’re there.
The Florida Manta Project, led by the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), is the first dedicated study of manta rays in Florida waters. Research has revealed a rare manta ray nursery habitat in South Florida, along with seasonal aggregations of adult mantas in Central and North Florida — yet there are currently no protections in place.
The International SeaKeepers Society has partnered with research scientist Jessica Pate to raise awareness among boaters and the South Florida community and help turn science into protection.
Your pledge helps give manta rays a voice.
By signing, you support awareness, science-based policy efforts, and the protection of critical manta ray habitats before more harm is done.
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Who Is SeaKeepers?
The International SeaKeepers Society is a 501(c)3 that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education by engaging with the boating community. It’s main focus is providing educational resource and hands-on marine science experiences to students, ensuring the planet’s future wellbeing. SeaKeepers empowers boaters to leverage their unique role in advancing marine science and raising awareness on global ocean issues.
Who Is MMF?
The Marine Megafauna Foundation conducts pioneering research on marine megafauna and uses scientific evidence to educate the public and government to influence long-lasting conservation strategies. Leading the charge at the heart of MMF, we have our founders, whose passion, dedication and expertise in the field have captured the attention of international media, and inspired world-class scientists, educators, and conservationists to join this mission.
South Florida’s Urban Manta Ray Nursery
South Florida is not just a migration route for manta rays — it is a rare nursery habitat. Since 2016, the Florida Manta Project has documented that South Florida waters are used almost exclusively by juvenile manta rays, many of which return to the same sites year after year. In fact, nearly half of the mantas observed are re-sighted, a strong indicator that these areas are critical for their early life stages.
What makes this nursery especially vulnerable is its proximity to large urban centers. Juvenile manta rays are regularly found with injuries from boat propellers and entanglement in fishing line — harm that is often unintentional, but entirely preventable.
Through in-water photography, drones, aerial surveys, and satellite and acoustic tracking, the Florida Manta Project is building the scientific foundation needed to protect these animals. The team has also developed outreach videos and on-site signage to help anglers avoid accidentally hooking manta rays and to promote safer practices on the water.
Awareness is the first line of protection.
With greater public support, this research can continue to inform policy, protect nursery habitats, and reduce human-caused injuries to manta rays in South Florida.
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