Reef Manta Rays Don’t Flee Monsoons, They Plunge Hundreds of Feet

Reef manta rays in Papua New Guinea dive hundreds of feet into deeper waters during monsoon seasons instead of fleeing, staying within about six miles of their original tagging site. They exhibit deep-diving behavior, reaching depths of over 1,300 feet, with their diving patterns varying depending on the monsoon season and their zooplankton food source. This behavior helps conservation efforts as it identifies crucial habitats for protection against threats like overfishing and bycatch.