3D Manta Ray Model Developed to Promote Conservation, Awareness of the Species

The Florida Manta Project conducted a study in South Florida for several years, observing the population of urban manta rays off the coast of Palm Beach.

Essentially, as stated in a Forbes report, the state of Florida is "teeming with life year-round." From snowbirds to actual birds, this same report specified, a lot of plentiful marine and terrestrial life, as well as a variety of habitats; there is not much to love in the so-called "sunshine state."

The group's website reported that nearly purely juvenile manta rays are seen in south Florida that regularly use the same areas; about 47 percent are re-sighted, specifying that south Florida is a rare nursery habitat of manta rays.

The biggest of all rays, and one of the hugest fish in the ocean, mantas are called for their distinctive physical look, with their common name, "cloak" or blanket in Spanish.

Protecting Manta-Ray Populations

Feeding on krill and zooplankton, the said filter feeders are frequently sighted forming long chains to consume the microscopic animals that drift along in the ocean currents.

In 2018, manta rays were added as threatened species to the United States Endangered Species Act, although there is still inadequate data to identify critical habitats for manta rays.

According to scientist Jessica Pate from the marine Megafauna Foundation, who pioneered the research on the South Florida population, this area is very important for protection as it can be a shelter for manta populations worldwide.

However, the question about the manner a scientist is supposed to investigate an animal that is known to be has been raised. The answer is "teamwork."

Unique Scientific and Educational Mechanism

A related Newspostalk report specified that the project has years of data gathered through in-water photography, aerial surveys, drones, and satellite and acoustic telemetry, all used to help researchers examine these animal species' biology and ecology.

A team of researchers within the Marine Megafauna Foundation has decided to Digital Life Project at the University of Massachusetts and a private operating foundation, ANGARI, which is headquartered in West Palm Beach.

Using an extensive database of videography and photography, and adding more to it for this special project, the Florida Manta Project collected measurements to develop a unique scientific and educational mechanism.

As stated in a press release, the ANGARI Foundation and the Digital Life Project understand that public and education awareness is essential for conservation, and both have experience modeling endangered marine life.

One-of-a-Kind 3D Model

A few years back, the ANGARI Foundation collaborated with Digital Life on a 3D shark model that led to a "first-of-its-kind, animated, animated great hammerhead shark," reports on this latest innovation said.

Together, they have developed another 3D model based on an eight-foot juvenile male manta called Skye. Just as whale shark markings are distinctive to the individual, like a person's fingerprint, so are the underside markings of a manta ray.

Researchers previously watched Skye in 2020 and have since seen him over 20 times. Utilizing footage and measurement data collected, the animator redeveloped Skye's shape, mouth, gills, and other attributes, including determining texture and details.

The 3D model promotes conservation and awareness of manta rays, too, according to ANGARI Foundation, pointing out that mantas here are often spotted entangled in fishing lines and with injuries from boat propellers. Manta rays may be large, but they are harmless to humans.

A related manta ray 3D model is shown on Davis3D's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Endangered Species in Science Times.