Manta Rays and Marine Conservation

Tom Pesha, a photographer for the Save Our Seas Foundation, documents manta rays in the Maldives. He explores Hanifaru Bay, a key site for manta ray feeding, and captures their unique behaviors. Despite their size, manta rays are filter feeders, and their feeding frenzies are a sight to behold. However, tourism poses a threat to their habitat. Conservation efforts, including the designation of Hanifaru Bay as a marine protected area, aim to safeguard these creatures. The Save Our Seas Foundation supports these efforts by donating a patrol boat to monitor the area.

Who is Tom Pesha?

• A National Geographic editor

• A manta ray expert

• A chief photographer

• A marine biologist

Where is Hanifaru Bay located?

• South of India

• North of the Maldives

• East of Sri Lanka

• West of the Maldives

What is unique about the feeding behavior of manta rays in Hanifaru Bay?

• They hunt individually

• They feed only at night

• They form a cyclone feeding pattern

• They hunt in pairs

What was the most dangerous part of Tom Pesha's assignment?

• Navigating the monsoon

• Photographing during a feeding frenzy

• Traveling to the Maldives

• Diving with sharks

What is a major threat to the manta rays in Hanifaru Bay?

• Climate change

• Tourist activities

• Pollution

• Overfishing

How can tourism benefit manta rays if managed correctly?

• By reducing the number of visitors

• By promoting hunting

• By increasing fishing activities

• By providing economic incentives for conservation

What significant announcement was made on World Oceans Day 2009?

• Fishing would be increased in Hanifaru Bay

• Hanifaru Bay would become a marine protected area

• Hanifaru Bay would be closed to tourists

• A new resort would be built in Hanifaru Bay

What role does the Save Our Seas Foundation play in Hanifaru Bay?

• They manage fishing activities

• They build hotels

• They fund marine research

• They organize tourist visits

What is the hope for Hanifaru Bay's future?

• To become a fishing hub

• To remain a sanctuary for marine life

• To be developed into a tourist resort

• To be closed to all visitors

What is the potential impact of sustainable marine wildlife tourism?

• Increased hunting of manta rays

• Destruction of marine habitats

• Reduction in marine biodiversity

• Conservation and appreciation of marine life