Project Manta- Making a difference on the Great Barrier Reef

Hello 615 and Benton Junior College!

From the 9th until the 16th October, I will be away participating on 'Project Manta', one of Earthwatch's Scientific Research Expeditions. This amazing opportunity allows me to dive with the world's largest ray, the Manta Ray or Manta birostris, who reach widths of up to seven metres! Not much is known about these massive creatures, so this expedition aims to gather scientific data on their ecology and biology. I will be SCUBA diving and taking photos and recording video of the manta ray for the 'Manta Identification Database'. Each manta ray has individual markings on the underside of the animal, so I will be downloading photos and identifying them against already identified mantas in the lab. If I am lucky enough to find a new manta ray that's not already on the database, we can name it if we like!

There are lots of other scientific research activities I have to complete while I am away. Apart from diving and the photo ID work, I will be snorkelling and recording observations from the surface and conducting 'Oceanography' data collection in the surrounding area.Tasks will include plankton tows (towing plankton nets behind the boat and collecting their contents for later analysis in the lab) as well as measuring current strength and direction. The snorkel team will also help measure the physical and chemical properties of water as it changes across tidal cycles. This is carried out using a conductivity – temperature – depth system. These measurements are taken along transects on the south side of the Island, through known manta feeding areas. It will provide basic information about the conditions the mantas require for feeding and help to understand why Lady Elliot Island is such a spectacular aggregation site for these animals.

So as you can see I really do get to be a scientist for a week! When I am not out in the water, or in the laboratory, I hope to connect with you for Skype (video calling) sessions, answering your questions on my Forum and writing you a blog of my daily highlights, including any awesome photos. So stay tuned for an amazing week!