Abstract
Atlantic manta rays (Mobula yarae) are a newly-described manta species endemic to the western Atlantic. Not being recognized as a separate species over the last 15 years has inhibited conservation efforts, however, this project was designed to help identify critical habitat for juvenile M. yarae. In collaboration with the Marine Megafauna Foundation and the Florida Manta Project (FMP), this project models manta habitat selection in south Florida. Data collection methods include aerial surveys by plane or drone, snorkeling, and the use of a GoPro to take individual identification photos of mantas. For this research project, environmental data from Environmental Research Division’s Data Access Program (ERDDAP) and other publicly available application programming interfaces (APIs) were combined with aerial survey data to develop a species distribution model (SDM). The aerial manta data was also used to create a kernel density estimate which depicts distinct manta hotspots. Results from this study indicate that mantas are generally found near Boynton Beach Inlet. The species distribution model identified lunar illumination, distance from the inlet, chlorophyll-a and tidal height as environmental factors that are contributors to the probability of manta presence. This model informs scientists about environmental characteristics of the south Florida nursery habitat that
influence the presence of manta rays. Policymakers and managers can use this data to understand and mitigate how anthropogenic activities, such as boating and fishing, affect juvenile manta rays in south Florida.