South Africa’s Manta Ray Discoveries May Boost KZN’s Tourism Offering
A recent study by marine biologists has unveiled South Africa as a unique habitat for two species of manta rays: the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi ) and the oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris ), the latter being the largest ray in the world with a wingspan of up to 8 metres. Researchers highlighted significant discoveries, such as feeding aggregations, potential nurseries for juvenile mantas, and rare melanistic mantas, particularly within the protected iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal. These findings underscore South Africa’s potential as a destination for marine tourism, though threats like fishing, seismic testing, and climate change remain a concern for these endangered species.
The study also revealed connectivity between manta ray populations in South Africa and Mozambique, emphasising the need for cross-border conservation strategies. Notably, some mantas have been tracked travelling over 1,300 km between the two countries. Researchers advocate for expanding effective marine sanctuaries, like iSimangaliso, which has been successful in safeguarding manta aggregations and other marine life. With growing interest in conservation-driven tourism, these discoveries could enhance KwaZulu-Natal's appeal while reinforcing the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems critical to both biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Source: Tourism News Africa
