Does Tourist Behaviour Affect Reef Manta Ray Feeding Behaviour? An Analysis of Human and Manta Alfredi Interactions in Baa Atoll, the Maldives

Description: 
The number of tourists travelling to the Maldives specifically to swim with charismatic marine megafauna has increased over recent years. Manta ray tourism in the Maldives is estimated to be worth US$8.1 million annually in direct revenue alone. This type of tourism clearly has significant benefits to the Maldivian economy but there is anecdotal evidence that large numbers of tourists at popular dive and snorkel sites is having a negative impact on reef manta rays’ natural behaviour.

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Author(s)Ella Garrud
PublisherManta Trust, University of York
CMS InstrumentSharks