Off the Chart Staff and Guests
In our ongoing quest to explore the remotest dive destinations, assist our research partners and bring citizen science to the wider dive community, Off the Chart expeditions are soon to be heading to the Banda Islands. Those who have dived with us before, will know we always do our best to bring you a variety of experts in the field. If you joined us on our trip to Raja Ampat, you will have already met Steph Venables. If not, here is a brief introduction to a key member of our team.
Who is Steph?
Steph Venables is a research scientist with the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) and a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. Steph is three years into her PhD, which explores how we can use techniques such as population genetics, acoustic telemetry and photo-identification to gather vital information about manta ray populations so we can more effectively protect them. Steph co-manages MMF’s manta ray research project in Raja Ampat, however her research focuses on both the Mozambican and Raja Ampat reef manta ray populations.
Steph has been intrigued with sharks and rays for as long as she can remember. She first began manta ray research in 2013 at Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and has since worked on manta ray populations in Mozambique, Australia and Indonesia. Her main research focus is manta ray ecology and population genetics, however she also has an interest in tourism interactions and how they can benefit and potentially impact manta rays. Steph strongly believes in education as the key to conservation and enjoys working with local communities, students and fellow divers to teach and inspire people to preserve the marine environment.
Steph’s role on expeditions
Research activities differ from trip to trip, depending on the location and the projects that are underway in the region. Manta rays can be individually identified by the unique spot patterns on their undersides; therefore tasks typically include photo ID data collection for MMF’s long- term regional manta ray catalogues. Additional research activities can range from collecting tissue biopsies for genetics studies, zooplankton tows for looking into feeding ecology to satellite tagging for investigating movement patterns. However, this will depend on the time and location of the expedition.
On top of the day-to-day data collection, Steph will give educational presentations that provide an insight into the marine ecology of the region, with a focus on manta rays – of course! She will also talk specifically about her research and the research and conservation efforts underway for manta rays and other marine megafauna around the globe.
Upcoming OTC expedition – Banda Sea, 2019
MMF has on-going projects throughout the Indonesian archipelago, in locations such as Nusa Penida, Komodo and Raja Ampat. The Banda Sea is not currently one of our study sites because, as far as we know, there are no known manta ray aggregation sites in the region. However, from one off sightings on short expeditions and public submissions to MantaMatcher.org we do know that giant manta rays are encountered in the region, particularly from September to November. Regular seasonal aggregations of giant mantas occur in the lesser Sunda Islands and in Raja Ampat, however we still don’t know whether individuals travel between these locations. As the Banda Sea lies in between, these waters may hold the answer to this question.
Due to the remote location, it is difficult for our researchers to get out to explore these waters to be able to assess whether it would be worth ramping up research efforts in the region. The upcoming Banda Sea expedition is an exploratory trip for Steph and her main goal will be to collect ID photos of any manta rays that may be sighted, assess whether potential aggregation sites (i.e. cleaning stations) exist and whether follow-up trips to the region could be worthwhile. As mantas aren’t a guarantee on this trip, Steph has expanded her presentations to include some information into the other exciting marine species we are likely to see, including the magnificent hammerhead sharks!
How does diving with OTC help MMF’s research?
Divers who join Off The Chart expeditions are not only ensuring they have an epic dive adventure with passionate and like-minded people, they are also supporting research and conservation efforts. OTC expeditions help researchers, like Steph and her colleagues at MMF, get out to remote field sites that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get to – such as Burma, and even explore new places that have potential to become future study sites – like the Banda Sea.
Every trip opens up new research opportunities, enables us to collect data, continue on-going monitoring projects and ultimately helps us to understand the bigger picture. Something that is particularly helpful when working with large, threatened migratory species. By joining OTC expeditions you are playing a role in ensuring we can better understand threatened species like manta rays, so we can do our best to protect them.
What can divers do to assist with research on the Banda Sea trip?
Because this will be an exploratory expedition, the main thing we are looking for are manta rays, or suitable habitat for them. While we are on the boat and below the surface, keep your eyes out for mantas as you never know what you will see cruising past in the blue and the more eyes on the look out, the better. If you do see a manta, take a photo of it’s underside for identification and find Steph to tell her the good news! Back on the boat, divers can help to upload ID photos to MantaMatcher.org and check them against our existing database to see if we have sighted the manta ray before or if it is a new addition to the catalogue.
How to join
If you are not already booked for the trip this October, we have a few spaces left. View the schedule or email any questions.
If you are already booked in, then let us know if you have any other questions to do with logistics or planning. Remember you can find most the details on our Banda Sea Travel Guide. Or of course, you can email us at any time. See you soon!
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