Raja Ampat survey reveals new species & key manta ray data

Raja Ampat is the global epicentre of marine biodiversity - and the species count is still rising, thanks in large part to two scientists...
I’m at five metres, clutching a rock outcrop on the seabed when the manta ray fixes me with its gaze. I’m free diving so there are no distracting bubbles - just the undulation of wings – four metres from tip to tip – as it passes close enough to touch, with a look that feels…nuanced. We stare at each other for a couple of mome