Maldives Protects Giant Rays' Favorite Feeding Spots

And why wouldn't they? The marine environment is the bedrock of the Maldives economy.

In June 2009 the Maldives created three new marine protected areas that include Hanifaru and other crucial feeding areas for mantas and whale sharks, the world's largest fish (whale shark pictures, facts, and more).

Fishing, boat speeds, and waste disposal will be regulated. The new sanctuaries, however, will allow some diving and snorkeling—a healthy tourist trade may provide alternative livelihoods for fishers, experts say.

"The government is committed to protecting and preserving the Maldives' exceptional biodiversity," Maldives Environment Minister Mohamed Aslam said in a statement.

As always, the NatGeo article has stunning photos attached.

Aerial Escape

From Daily Mail:

With the predator lurking close behind, the intended prey takes flight - quite literally.

This flying stingray was trying to avoid the attentions of the aptly-named killer whale, which was ready to take a bite out of the fish when the stingray made its leap for safety.

While stingrays seem most content to spend their days lying at the bottom of the sea-bed, occasionally sticking their stingers into unassuming human feet, this one proved they can be moved to flights of fancy when needed.

The encounter was captured in calm waters just off St. Heliers beach in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday.

Five or six orcas gathered in the morning sun to feast on the stingrays resting near the shore, while another 30 orcas hung around at the back of the harbour.

Don't Mess with Mantas

I think "You're a bit too close" was the message this manta ray was sending this scuba diver.

Haha!

Scuba Diving with Manta Rays

Thank you for your patience as we experienced a temporary blogging hiatus here at the Scuba Diving Blog. As a gift, here's a terrific video of scuba diving with large manta rays off the coast of Socorro Island.

Hat tip: Scuba Diving Heaven

Baby Thornback Ray Smiles Back

Get a load of this little cutie!

(click image to enlarge --> )

With its odd smile and translucent body this creature could be mistaken for a young cousin of one of Doctor Who's adversaries.

In fact it is the underside of a young thornback ray, pushing itself up the inside of an aquarium.

What appear to be eyes are gill slits, part of the animal's mechanism for breathing. Its real eyes are on top of its body.

Children visiting the Blue Reef Aquarium at Southsea, Hampshire, have remarked on the 5in fish's resemblance to The Last Human, the Doctor Who creature (inset) given voice by Zoe Wanamaker.

The month-old ray is one of 12 hatched from eggs known as "mermaid's purses" as part of a breeding programme.

"Their faces are very distinctive, especially the apparent smile," said a Blue Reef spokesman.

Thornbacks are the most common ray in British waters and can grow up to 4ft in length. Their backs are covered with spines.

The baby rays were all born as part of a captive breeding programme at the aquarium.