A team of Conservation International scientists undertook a series of projects in Raja Ampat in collaboration with Resorts World Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium and the Indonesian government to gain greater insight into the region’s manta ray populations, fish biodiversity and deep sea ecosystems. Scientists completed satellite tagging, hydrophone deployment, genetic sampling and photo ID of manta populations in the region. The team also conducted genetic sampling and photo ID of Hemiscyllium sharks (walking sharks) in conjunction with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences and Western Australian Museum. In addition, genetic sampling and photo ID were also carried out for multiple endemic fish species in the region. Surveys of deep sea reefs and the assessment of the Dampier Strait were conducted in our submersible. Data collected on the expedition contributed to studies of bioluminescence, speciation, geology, and local conservation.

Scientists Dr. Mark Erdman and Dr. Sarah Lewis have both devoted their careers to studying mantas—and especially to preserving their threatened habitat in Indonesia. Follow Dr. Erdman, Dr. Lewis, and the OceanX team to Raja Ampat, where they discovered and explored what has now become a global hotspot for locating, tagging, and tracking mantas.