Hawai’i Rays
The largest and most renowned of the ray family is the Manta. In Hawaii we also encounter the Spotted Eagle Rays & rarely the Broadbill Sting Ray.
Surprise Occurrence
“What’s interesting to me is the surprise occurrence and then in-frequency of these animals. Unlike the “Manta Night Dive” Industry on the beautiful Kona Coast of the Big Island, we never can predict when Mantas will appear at our dive sites.
In other words, no one at this point in time on our beautiful Garden Island has any idea. We at Kaua’i Ocean Awareness want to change that!” - Captain Tara
If you are able to get the photo of the “under-belly” or ventral side of a Manta please report it to us at KOA or “https:www.hamerinhawaii.org/mantaray”
Hawaii Association for Marine Education & Research (HAMER)
“HAMER was founded by my colleague and dear friend Dr. Mark Deacos who has been documenting Mantas on Maui for over a decade and has compiled a database for Mantas in Hawaii. The best way to “tag” a manta is to get a photo of the ventral, or underbelly, of this graceful animal. It’s best to approach very slowly and with snorkel/skindiving gear instead of SCUBA. Bubbles will most likely disturb the animals, but not necessarily as seen with these photos. So look up always and especially when underwater!” - Captain Tara
Hawai’i Statewide Marine Animal Reporting Hotline:
(888) 256-9840
*Includes stranded, injured or entangled sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, whales, and rays. Immediately call/report possible illegal or suspicious activity.