Maya is a marine biologist, professional scuba diver, and expedition guide. Her work has spanned all seven continents, with a Master of Marine and Antarctic Science focused on researching fisheries management and the habitat use of a critically endangered shark. A large portion of her work has involved collaborating with expedition vessels and yachts to collect data on manta rays throughout the remote Marquesas archipelago, with the access provided from these platforms contributing significantly to the knowledge of the manta population in this region. When not researching manta rays, Maya is a polar diver, underwater videographer, naturalist, and zodiac driver for National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.

This project will increase knowledge of manta rays found in the Marquesas Islands, as well as throughout French Polynesia and the wider Pacific. This improved scientific understanding will include:

• Monitoring and describing the population status and demographics of manta rays through an ongoing photo-ID database

• Assessing the connectivity of manta rays within the Marquesas, French Polynesia, and the wider Pacific

• Identifying key aggregation sites and assessing habitat use; including describing aggregation behaviour and demographics, spatial and temporal patterns, environmental drivers, site fidelity and movements between areas

• Describing the sympatric relationship between reef and oceanic manta rays in the Marquesas.

This project would suit any yacht visiting the Marqueses islands - Maya and her assistant are frequently on the island of Hiva Oa which has flight links with Tahiti. The research team are flexible for one way trips to main connecting islands.