Devil Rays

November 2022 to Present

Partners: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (MOTE), Florida Atlantic University (FAU, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Destin-Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources Team

Devil rays (Mobula hypostoma) are small, endangered relatives of manta rays that congregate in shallow nearshore waters off Destin-Fort Walton Beach during the fall and winter months, often in groups of two to ten individuals. Beginning in November 2022, the Coastal Resources Team partnered with Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sharks and Rays Conservation Research Program to study the species’ migratory patterns, an effort that grew out of Mote’s broader pelagic ray monitoring program dating back to 2009.

In the initial research trip, the team located 17 rays and fitted seven with acoustic tags to track movement and residency. The partnership has continued in subsequent years, including satellite tag deployments, biological sampling to confirm diet and genetics of this species. There has also been numerous public outreach events such as a community presentation on devil ray identification and research findings. The work has also contributed to peer-reviewed research on the taxonomy and life history of the Atlantic pygmy devil ray, with DFWB Natural Resources staff credited as co-authors.

Click here for additional research publication.