MEDIA RELEASE

Dr. Tim Clark, a researcher from the University of Hawaii, will present new information about Kona’s manta rays’ life history including daily foraging habits, why manta rays are attracted to popular Kona coast dive sites and why this and other discrete ray populations are in peril.  Efforts to protect manta rays in Hawaii and other oceanic locations will be outlined.

Manta Ray Facts:
* Kona has a population of over 130 manta rays that never leave West Hawaii’s coastal waters.
* Worldwide, there are three species of manta rays, two species live in Kona waters.
* In Indonesia, manta rays are being harvested in large numbers for their gill rakers.

“Hawaii’s Irreplaceable Manta Rays”
When:  6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Where: Kealakehe High School cafeteria

For more information, call University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program at 329-2861.