Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand (MWANZ) is launching a major crowdfunding campaign to safeguard one of the ocean’s most extraordinary and endangered species: the oceanic manta ray.

Few New Zealanders realise that manta rays spend half the year in our waters. These gentle giants reach up to seven metres across and possess the largest brain of any fish, with a brain-to-body ratio comparable to humans. But despite their intelligence and grace, mantas are globally endangered — and the threats they face are increasing.

Over the past six years, MWANZ, with the support of our research partners and citizen scientists, has confirmed that Aotearoa is a crucial habitat for manta rays. Groundbreaking research has mapped an extraordinary 9,000km return migration connecting New Zealand to the Southwest Pacific, including waters around Fiji, Tuvalu, and Tonga.

However, recent satellite data reveals a disturbing trend: a significant proportion of Aotearoa’s tagged oceanic mantas are dying during their journeys through the Southwest Pacific.

To uncover the causes and push for meaningful protection, MWANZ is launching a crowdfunding campaign to send three scientists along the mantas’ migration path. The team will investigate threats, identify solutions, and gather data essential for improving conservation measures across the region.

Manta rays are not alone on this route—many endangered marine species travel the same corridor. The findings from this expedition will support partners such as WWF, who are advocating for a large-scale ocean protection “Blue Corridors” across the Southwest Pacific. MWANZ’s research will provide vital evidence to strengthen this international conservation effort.

The campaign aims to fund travel, food, and time for the scientific team to complete this ambitious project.

“This is a massive undertaking, and we truly need the public’s support,” said MWANZ. “Every donation makes a difference. If you can’t donate, sharing our posts or joining our mailing list is an incredibly helpful way to get involved.”

With public backing, MWANZ hopes to protect this endangered species and contribute to stronger ocean protection throughout the Pacific.

About Manta Watch Aotearoa New Zealand (MWANZ)
MWANZ combines dedicated research with citizen science to better understand Aotearoa’s manta and devil rays. The organisation advocates for healthy ocean ecosystems through conservation, education, and collaborative science.

Use of Funds
Funds raised will send three scientists to the Southwest Pacific to follow the migration route of Aotearoa’s manta rays and investigate the threats they face. Donations will support travel, food, and essential fieldwork time.

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