Abstract
This report is for research done during an internship with the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s (MMF) Florida Manta Project (FMP). Since 2016 FMP has been studying a juvenile habitat for Mobula cf. birostris along the southeast Florida coast. It is widely accepted that the ventral surface of all manta ray species displays spot patterns that are unique to each individual. In M. cf. birostris, patterns have been observed in the “shoulder patches” on the dorsal surface of some individuals. This project explored the stability of these shoulder patch patterns over time and their viability for use in photo identification. This project created and utilized a database of identified mantas that display these shoulder patch patterns. The stability of patterns over time was determined by identifying the Dorsal Shoulder Blotches (DSBs) of each pattern, and comparing the change in these patterns over time. Through 10 image comparisons ranging from 10 to 687 days apart, there was no correlation found between time and change. This supports the idea that these patterns are stable over time, and will be viable in identification. Having the ability to identify manta individuals more confidently through drone or other dorsal surface images will greatly benefit researchers. Dorsal patch patterns can supplement the identification process in individuals who do not present extensive ventral patterns, or when a ventral spot pattern image cannot be taken. This is particularly useful in south Florida where the majority of manta ray sightings are in shallow inshore waters. These rays are rarely seen on dive sites, resulting in many citizen science submissions coming from local drone pilots.