https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/conservation-solutions daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601469739007-JBO0JUFFZUSUV4WS42HT/Atlantic+Manta+Ray_Mobula+cf.+birostris_Isla+Mujeres_Quintana+Roo_Mexico+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens_Manta+Trust_2019+%282%29.jpg Conservation Solutions - MANTA CARIBBEAN PROJECT The Manta Caribbean Project is a research, conservancy and educational program based in Mexico. Current legislation forbids the landing of manta and devil rays in this region, however there are not sufficient management measures in place to enforce this ban across such a large area. Project leader Karen Fuentes, works in conjunction with the Manta Trust, to conduct research on and describe the local manta ray species, promote awareness in the local communities through educational programs, encouraging responsible practices through workshops with fishers and local tourism operators, and to attain knowledge and data that can be used to develop sustainable models for the conservation of this species. The Manta Caribbean Project believes the manta population seen in the Mexico Caribbean to be a third, putative (yet undescribed) species of manta ray that is sympatric to the oceanic manta ray in this region. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/terms-and-conditions daily 0.75 2022-07-28 https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/ocean-guardians daily 0.75 2020-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601466016359-PZGYMDXBAO261O55A342/Coral+Grouper%2C+Cephalopholis+miniata%2C+Kudarah+Thila%2C+Ari+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens%2C+Manta+Trust+2017.jpg Ocean Guardians - UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MARINE INSTITUTE We are developing a pioneering collaboration with University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute for the benefit of the next generation of marine conservationists, and our international partners. Representing 3000 staff, researchers and students, University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute is the first and largest such establishment in the UK, and forms the broadest portfolio of coastal marine expertise within a single institute in Europe. In particular we are working in partnership with Plymouth’s world-leading experts in marine biology and conservation who are responding to the challenge of training tomorrow’s scientists to understand the relationship between the way we live, the seas that surround us, and the development of sustainable policy solutions. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/home daily 1.0 2023-11-08 https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/history-and-vision daily 0.75 2022-01-17 https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/who-we-are daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/ef320029-6337-4b27-9073-489003cac7ac/Bigeye%27s+%26+Trevally%27s.JPG Who We Are - The University of Plymouth The University of Plymouth (UoP) is a broad-based, research-intensive university, open to all who can benefit from an education through this establishment, that delivers excellent interdisciplinary research, experiential education, and civic engagement. The UoP’s mission is to advance knowledge and transform lives whilst its core principles are: Quality - striving for the highest quality in everything it does. One Team - working, planning for, and delivering a shared vision, underpinned by a strong sense of collegiality. Reputation - pioneering contributions, excellence in education and research, socio-economic impact, and thought leadership. Sustainability - in its finances, reputation, services, partnerships, environmental performance, and global contribution. Through its School of Biological and Marine Sciences, the UoP teaches biological sciences, marine biology, and marine science to over 1200 students as well as producing world-class research from internationally renowned researchers. To learn more about UoP visit www.plymouth.ac.uk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/393e014e-9e2c-40b8-8ce1-2f45805a6970/Reef+Manta+Ray%2C+Manta+alfredi%2C+Surface+Feeding%2C+D%27Arros+Island%2C+Amirantes%2C+Seychelles+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens%2C+Manta+Trust+2016.JPG Who We Are - The Manta Trust The Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity working globally to research and conserve mobulid (manta and devil) rays and their habitats. Our vision is a sustainable future for the oceans where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems. We conduct robust research to inform important marine management decisions. With a network of over 23 mobulid-focused projects worldwide, we specialise in collaborating with multiple parties to drive conservation as a collective: from NGOs and governments to businesses and local communities. Finally, we place considerable effort into raising awareness of the threats facing the oceans by educating people about the solutions needed to conserve mobulid rays, and the wider underwater world. To learn more about our work visit www.mantatrust.org. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/f9d7e3ad-e3d8-4a67-b64e-d685a81db5ee/Whale+Shark%2C+Rhincodon+typus%2C+Fenfushi+Beyru%2C+Ari+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens%2C+Manta+Trust+2018+%281%29.JPG Who We Are - The Ocean Giants Programme The Ocean Giants Programme for Conservationist Development is an initiative coordinated by the Manta Trust is collaboration with Plymouth School of Biological and Marine Sciences. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/ocean-giants-programme daily 0.75 2022-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601391523128-6IXIRWO0EG5ZZGW9UY0G/Hawksbill+Turtle+B%2C+Mudakan+Kandu%2C+Addu+Atoll%2C+Maldives+Guy+Stevens+Manta+Trust+2013.jpg Ocean Giants Programme - What is the OGP? A two-year Programme, designed to equip participating students (Apprentices) with useful skills and experience in several aspects of the real workings of a marine charity. Apprentices spend their first year building a relationship with their Partner NGO remotely, whilst undertaking OGP training, before visiting their Partner to carry out an in-situ placement during their second year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601391248432-ZDO3MITTHH5H1KEBAMHS/Whale+Shark%2C+Rhincodon+typus%2C+Dhiffushi+Beyru%2C+Ari+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens%2C+Manta+Trust+2018+%283%29+%281%29.jpg Ocean Giants Programme - Who can apply? First year University of Plymouth (UoP) students who are studying marine sciences and plan on taking a placement year. Applications open at the start of Semester Two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/35600df0-0fd2-4fd1-a9e2-ea9dc78135b5/Oceanic+Manta+Ray%2C+Manta+birostris%2C+Southern+Spur%2C+Fuvahmulah+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens+Manta+Trust+2015+%284%29.JPG Ocean Giants Programme - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/655490f4-044c-449a-92e5-531e3d22387f/Bottlenose+Dolphin_Tursiops+truncatus_Cabo+Pearce_Socorro_Revillagigedo+Archipelago_Mexico+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens_Manta+Trust_2020+%284%29.JPG Ocean Giants Programme - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/partners-and-their-work daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601412098364-Z1LNGCTWWPF7DIK4YEUK/Atlantic+Manta+Ray_Mobula+cf.+birostris_Isla+Mujeres_Quintana+Roo_Mexico+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens_Manta+Trust_2019+%2822%29.jpg Partners and Their Work - TO NURTURE LOCAL CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION The Mexican Caribbean Manta Ray Project is a research, conservancy and education program, led by Karen Fuentes. Their work seeks improved protection of manta species and their habitat, by designing new sustainable models of local community activities within marine conservation areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601411758283-3PCNARGGUOGE6N49LXHM/Whale+Shark%2C+Rhincodon+typus%2C+Maamigili+Beyru%2C+Ari+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens+Manta+Trust+2013.jpg Partners and Their Work - TO CHAMPION INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION LAMAVE is an NGO that seeks to spread awareness in the Philippines of the large marine animals they are working to protect; these include whale sharks, sea turtles and several species of cetaceans. LAMAVE stress the importance of habitat preservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601469079640-I8WIALKA9KJQ3HM0XTLM/Sea+Search.JPG Partners and Their Work - TO DEVELOP ENDURING CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS FROM PIONEERING RESEARCH The Sea Search group is a collective of scientists and students with a strong academic background in the area of marine mammal science. Their primary focus is the production of peer-reviewed scientific research and student training. They also provide specialist consultancy services and work with industry and government to promote conservation through effective management. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/international-protection daily 0.75 2020-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601468215767-PXF52J5YIB52R5MRHKJZ/Whale+Shark+Dorsal+Portrait%2C+Outside+Hanifaru+Bay%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens%2C+Manta+Trust+%28O%29.jpg International Protection - LAMAVE LAMAVE is an NGO that seeks to spread awareness in the Philippines of the large marine animals they are working to protect; these include whale sharks, sea turtles and several species of cetaceans. LAMAVE stress the importance of habitat preservation. Their information, education, and communication campaigns focus on promoting widespread awareness, through hosting community events, regularly conducting marine education classes in elementary and secondary schools, providing internships and on the job training, and conducting marine wildlife rescue training. LAMAVE frequently advise local governments and national authorities on the development and management of sustainable tourism, and marine animal protection throughout the Philippines. They also counsel leaders of the dive and hospitality industries on sustainable marine wildlife operations and tour procedures. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/conservation-and-education daily 0.75 2022-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601469079640-I8WIALKA9KJQ3HM0XTLM/Sea+Search.JPG Conservation and Education - SEA SEARCH Sea Search was founded in 2014 by Dr Simon Elwen and Dr Tess Gridley. We are based in Muizenberg, Cape Town with a second field site in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Sea Search is principally a scientific organisation that aims to conduct high quality, internationally recognised research in the marine realm, which can feed back into education and policy recommendations. Our focus is scientific research output, education and advice to managers with the overarching aim of promoting conservation. We work throughout the southern Africa sub-region, with a focus on South Africa and Namibia. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2020-10-01 https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/ocean-giants daily 0.75 2020-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601376835409-7UBW2XZV728WA0JZK9EX/Manta+and+Whale+shark+ID.jpg Ocean Giants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601455474116-I21BEPQCI4U3BHWZ104B/DSC_9716.jpg Ocean Giants - HABITAT DECLINE Ocean pollution is an increasingly alarming problem. As Ocean Giants suck in large volumes of water to feed, it often contains plastic and other ocean debris. The plastic can get lodged internally and cause serious damage, even death. The decline in ecosystem health also adversely impacts the food chain. The more unhealthy our oceans, the smaller the fish and plankton populations that this sensitive environment can support. Less food, fewer Ocean Giants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601375441791-LFZ6F6HQP2LWUPF60DZQ/Whale+Shark%2C+Rhincodon+typus%2C+Hanifaru+Bay%2C+Baa+Atoll%2C+Maldives+%C2%A9+Guy+Stevens+Manta+Trust+2009.jpg Ocean Giants - They are amongst the largest marine life in our oceans. They feed on plankton and small fish which they filter from the water like a sieve, and even though whale sharks have upwards of 300 tiny teeth, they are completely harmless to humans. They have been encountered in several parts of the world. Research projects have provided some understanding and insight into the different species and their behaviours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601455603099-LCEDEDRRB3BQ4R2K665I/IMG_5091.jpg Ocean Giants - CAPTURE FOR TRADE Ocean Giants are hunted by both large scale fisheries and local fishermen. They are slaughtered in large numbers for the fins of whale sharks and the gill rakers of manta rays to supply the Traditional Medicine Trade or for perceived culinary delicacies demanded in Asia. Populations of both species continue to be decimated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601376863338-8BG01VMPV4M88X9HZ256/DSC_2701.jpg Ocean Giants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601417947337-WDI5F79FTVCVEWYL8X82/Manta+Ray+killed+in+nets.+%28Grenada%2C+Caribbean%29.jpg Ocean Giants - CHANGES IN FISHING METHODS There is a vicious circle of overfishing leading to reduced populations, which then force fishermen to employ ever more aggressive methods to enable them to sustain their catch and livelihoods. Traditional rods and lines have been replaced with gill nets, which can run for miles, and indiscriminately catch any and all fish species. Ocean Giants get caught in these gill nets which often results in their death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/1601377411287-ECKIAN2ZL4RP1DTQ72DU/Capture.JPG Ocean Giants https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/our-team daily 0.75 2022-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/f717f032-dc73-47f1-aed7-2bf636d06489/Manta%2BTeam_Circular%2BPortrait_Mark%2BAntrill.png Our Team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/27e7bd69-ed08-476f-8dfc-21d0190f60fc/Bex+Carter+Circular+Headshot.png Our Team - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/a4a538c8-43a3-4994-a74d-01346261bd8d/Manta%2BTeam_Circular%2BPortrait_Guy%2BStevens.png Our Team - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/de7f66f5-c513-4f52-bdb5-f959d3a1afd4/Manta%2BTeam_Circular%2BPortrait_Clare+Embling.png Our Team - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/b9f2ae2d-b333-4a18-93dc-3e0505ad04ea/Manta%2BTeam_Circular%2BPortrait_Jen%2BSpacagna.png Our Team - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.oceangiantsprogramme.org/support-us daily 0.75 2022-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/149b0c8b-0b87-4660-978d-86d564872153/Giant+Milk+%26+Dark+Ocean+eggs+small+size.jpg Support Us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f72f2d145442177126b6875/07f71170-e69d-4975-b41e-f5e7ab5aa2b7/01_dark_turtles_cropped.jpg Support Us - Chococo Chococo are an award-winning, independent artisan chocolate brand, based in Dorset. They are passionate about using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and fine single origin chocolate, as well as sustainability. 100% of their packaging is plastic-free and is either compostable or recyclable, and they are supporting conservation initiatives including the Ocean Giants Programme! 30p from every box of chocolate turtles is donated to the Ocean Giants Programme. Turtles are available in milk chocolate and dark chocolate (vegan). Plus, for a LIMITED TIME ONLY you can purchase one of their beautiful Ocean Easter Eggs (pictured below). Available in normal or giant size, in milk or dark chocolate (vegan) from which 5% will be donated to us.