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MANTA TRUST

CHAMPIONING MARINE CONSERVATION: THE MANTA TRUST PARTNERSHIP AT INTERCONTINENTAL MALDIVES

The Manta Trust is one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations. Using co-ordinated global research to aid conservation efforts surrounding manta rays, their relatives and their habitats, the Manta Trust aims to achieve global conservation through Research, Education and Collaboration.

Recognizing the unique privilege of occupying an island in such close proximity to a newly discovered juvenile manta feeding ground, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort began working in collaboration with the Manta Trust in 2019. The area around InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is home to a large and healthy population of manta rays which provides Manta Trust researchers based at the resort incredible access to study these animals.

Reef manta rays are listed as “vulnerable” and Oceanic manta rays as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List, the work we do here helps to increase knowledge and understanding, which can be used to guide conservation measures both here in the Maldives but also around the world where manta populations are much smaller, and often threatened. Our team of Manta Trust researchers welcome our guests to join them for educational presentations and sustainably ran excursions.

PROTECTING MANTA RAYS,
THE GENTLE GIANTS

SWIM WITH MANTAS

The Maamunagau lagoon is an important feeding ground for juvenile manta rays as the large lagoonal system provides protective shelter from predators and an abundance of planktonic food for many juveniles during the North East monsoon months of December to April.

Manta rays are among the most charismatic creatures in our oceans. With the largest brain of all fish species, their intelligence and curiosity make encounters with these animals a truly amazing experience. Here at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, we promote sustainable tourism, ensuring guests are properly briefed on how to swim with manta rays in Maldives to ensure their encounter is as enjoyable and sustainable as possible.

NAME AND ADOPT A MANTA

Much like a human fingerprint, every manta ray has a unique pattern of spots on its ventral surface (belly), which enables manta scientists to identify every individual manta. Since researching the Raa Atoll manta ray population, new manta rays are being discovered and are in need of a unique name. Whether for yourself, a friend or a loved one, take part in our “Name-and-Adopt-a-Manta” initiative to support the work of the Manta Trust and their global efforts to protect them.

Only available to our guests at partnering resorts, this initiative is a unique opportunity to name a manta ray and support the Manta Trusts global research.

Each manta adoption costs $165.00++ (a one-time fee) and includes a digital adoption pack, a 1-year Cyclone membership and the chance to choose a special name.

To name and adopt a manta ray please email [email protected]

MANTA UPDATES

Keep up to date with the latest manta news by checking out our regular blog posts, on manta sightings and other exciting news.

MEET THE TEAM

Meral is our Project Manager for the Manta Trust base in Raa Atoll at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.

Originally from Canada, Meral has spent a lifetime dreaming of warm, tropical waters and the ecosystems they harbour. Initially drawn to the field of marine conservation due to her love of coral reefs, Meral pursued a bachelor’s degree in law with the intention of tackling protection for these ecosystems in the legal sphere. But she was always drawn back to the water.

After working in Thailand on coral reef restoration, Meral soon moved over to the Maldives. Of course, the manta rays are an essential part of Meral’s decision to move to paradise. She loves her work for Manta Trust as it is an exciting opportunity to engage in the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme’s multifaceted top-down approach to conservation. Advocating for the protection of manta rays in Maldives and recognizing their role as a flagship species can foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the ecosystems they rely on, thereby facilitating holistic conservation measures.

Join Meral on land to learn more about manta's and the rich ecosystems they rely on or in the water to explore the rich biodiversity of Maldivian waters.
Emily is one of our resident manta ray researchers and marine conservationists. Since becoming the Assistant Project Manager in 2023 for the Manta Trust’s project base here at InterContinental Resort Maamunagau, she has been dedicating here time to exploring and investigating the population dynamics of reef manta rays throughout Raa atoll.

Whilst happiest underwater, she loves to enthuse others by her passion for manta rays and aims to encourage others in experiencing and sharing the marvels of the marine environment through education and outreach.

Join Emily for her educational presentations and workshops to learn more about the work we are doing to protect manta rays here at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and you will undoubtedly fall further in love with our charming gentle giants.
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NEWSLETTER

Welcome to
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resorts
MAAMUNAGAU ISLAND RAA ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES
WHATSAPP (AVAILABLE 24/7):
+960 730 9300
RESERVATIONS PHONE NUMBER
1 888 IC HOTELS(1 888 424 6835)
RESORT PHONE NUMBER
+960 6580 500
FOR RESERVATIONS
[email protected]
This hotel is owned by HPL Hotels and Resorts and operated by InterContinental® Hotels Group. © Copyright 2024. HPL Hotels and Resorts. All rights reserved.