The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) is a non-profit that conducts pioneering research on marine megafauna across the globe and uses scientific evidence to educate the public and government to influence long-lasting conservation strategies. MMF Canada is one of the regional chapters that supports this work. In this webinar you will hear from two of MMF’s scientists on their work abroad followed by a discussion about how their positive impacts can reach all the way to Canada. 

Nakia Cullian’s research focuses on the spatial ecology of manta rays, the threats they face from fisheries and effectiveness of marine protected areas for these species in Southern Africa. She operates out of Mozambique where the coastline is a global hotspot for marine biodiversity that supports both local and international fishing industries. Nakia’s research identifies critical areas for threatened species to assess their overlap with industrial fishing vessels. 

Jess Pate leads the Florida Manta Ray Project that studies a unique population of manta rays that live next to large urban centers. Her work tracks the many human impacts to this population including fishing gear entanglements and strikes by boat propellers. This location has been identified as an important nursery habitat for juvenile mantas as well as large seasonal aggregation of adult mantas. 

The Q&A portion of the webinar will be chaired by MMF board member Ronnie Noonan-Birch.