The Manta Pacific Research Foundation
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on ocean conservation, and specifically on manta ray conservation. Based on the Big Island of Hawaii, the foundation's stated objective is to "study manta rays in their natural habitat, conduct scientific research, provide education programs for the public about manta rays and the marine environment, and to establish and promote global manta ray conservation".[1]
The Manta Pacific Research Foundation was founded on 16 April 2002[2] by Keller Laros along with his wife Wendy Laros.[3][4] Since then, the foundation has been active in the protection of manta rays in Hawaii (as profiled by ScubaDiver.com[5]), public education about manta rays, and scientific research. The foundation maintains the ID (Identification) database on its website. The database contains pictures taken by scuba divers of the unique spot patterns on the ventral side of the mantas, which are submitted to the foundation and used to identify and keep track of individual manta rays in the population.[5]
Protection of manta rays in Hawaiian Waters
On 5 June 2009, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed Act 092(09) making it illegal to kill or capture manta rays in Hawaii. The implementation of this Act protecting manta rays followed a campaign during which the foundation played an active role, including organizing a petition on the foundation's website starting in 2006.[6] Founder Keller Laros was awarded as a "Sea Hero" by ScubaDiving.com for his and the foundation's role in achieving these protections.[5]
Implementation of voluntary practices for manta ray interactions
Supported development of voluntary practices and standards for tour operators for manta ray interactions relative to the night dives with manta rays off the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, which were agreed upon by manta ray night dive tour operators in 2013.[3]
Established the Manta Learning Center in Keauhou, Hawaii
The Manta Learning Center was established by the foundation in the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa so that people interested in learning about manta rays have a resource for additional information.[7]
References
- ↑ "Manta Pacific Research Foundation". mantapacific. Retrieved 29 October 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Manta Pacific Research Foundation". OpenCorporates. Retrieved 16 November 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 3.0 3.1 "The Manta Man of Kona". Hana Hou!. Retrieved 2021-11-24.
- ↑ "Diver who saved dolphin: 'He swam right up to me'". NBC News. Retrieved 10 October 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Keller Laros Awarded for Saving Manta Rays in Hawaii". Scuba Diving. Retrieved 29 October 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Governor Message #707" (PDF). capital.hawaii.gov. Retrieved 16 November 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Manta Pacific Research Foundation: Conserving and Protecting the Ballerinas of the Ocean". Ke Ola Magazine. 2018-05-01. Retrieved 29 October 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help)
This article "The Manta Pacific Research Foundation" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:The Manta Pacific Research Foundation. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
