Following Ongoing Research in Partnership with The Manta Trust.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort’s surrounding lagoon, Maamunagau and Fenfushi, has become an official Important Shark & Ray Area (ISRA). Following the resort’s ongoing partnership with the Manta Trust, one of the world’s leading manta ray research and conservation organisations, and the extensive research carried out by the on-site team, this new status grants the lagoon global recognition highlighting it as a critical habitat for manta rays and an area of conservation priority. This announcement follows years of scientific research and data, which has been supported by the resort, and is a step towards future protective measures to be implemented in the surrounding area to enforce conservation. This new announcement forms part of the Manta Trust’s ongoing research to secure the area as a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Alongside the lagoon of Maamunagau, additional sites in the surrounding area have been designated as ISRAS: Dhikkuredhoo & Madivaafaru (roughly 30 minutes from the resort and a spot for guests to snorkel with mantas, with chances to witness mass feeding events from June – November) and Vandhoo & Kottefaru (a popular diving location for guests and a favourite cleaning spot for resident mantas). Maamunagau and Fenfushi in particular have been identified as an important reproductive and feeding area for manta rays – holding regular and predictable aggregations of feeding reef manta rays from December – April and is recognised for its importance for young juvenile manta rays.
Recognising the unique privilege of occupying an island in such close proximity to a newly discovered juvenile reef manta ray feeding ground, InterContinental Maldives began working in collaboration with the Manta Trust in 2019. The area around InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is home to a large and healthy population of reef manta rays which provides Manta Trust researchers based at the resort incredible access to study these animals. Sitting in its own natural lagoon on the idyllic Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which is home to Hanifaru Bay, a dedicated manta ray sanctuary, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort supports the manta ray research around the lagoon and in other areas of Raa Atoll. The resort, which has its own sustainable waste initiatives and recycling programmes, prioritises educating guests on the importance of protecting these graceful creatures and offering the opportunity to swim alongside them. InterContinental Maldives also hosts annual ‘Manta Retreats’, allowing guests the chance to experience the magic of these gentle underwater giants – learning about the research taking place around them.
With pop up wellness practitioners, resident chefs and most recently, educational manta ray retreats, the resort plays host to a whole range of individuals, as well as a rich array of marine life. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are truly spoiled with indulgent complimentary benefits alongside luxurious five- star Maldivian facilities such as overwater villas, adults-only enclaves and a tranquil spa. With 81 beach, lagoon and over-water villas and residences, as well as six restaurants and bars, the resort enjoys the peace of a boutique hotel, but has the facilities of a world-class resort.
Jess Haines, PhD Researcher for The Manta Trust, comments “It’s a wonderful achievement to see several areas in Raa Atoll designated as Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). This milestone reflects the importance of the Manta Trust data collection efforts, which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the resort. I look forward to continue working with the data to produce exciting research papers through my PhD and work towards protecting these crucial marine habitats for young mantra rays.”
