News
Three-fold Success for the Marine Megafauna Foundation
Marine Megafauna Foundation receives recognition as PeerJ’s Top 10 Marine Biology papers for three collaborative scientific publications
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) are recognized globally for developing enduring conservation solutions from pioneering research on some of the world’s largest ocean giants, whale sharks and manta rays. Recently, two scientific publications they have lead-authored and one collaborative article, were listed in PeerJ’s Top 10 Marine Biology papers since the journals inception.
PeerJ is an open-access platform for scientists to publish and showcase their work. This collection of 10 articles represents some of the most noteworthy marine biology research, which PeerJ has published up to September 2015. The list was compiled by examining a range of article level metrics – many of the publications are already highly cited, have been widely tweeted, and had a high number of page views.
As the most read article in PeerJ history, it seems size does matter. World scientists teamed up to analyze trends and review what is currently known about 25 of the ocean’s largest marine species, in Sizing Ocean Giants. Dr Andrea Marshall, Principal Scientist for MMF’s Manta Ray program, contributed information for the largest batoid, the giant manta ray, drawing on data obtained from the several locations where their manta ray projects take place.
Credit: Simon Pierce
Also from the manta ray team, MMF researchers explored alternative methods to obtain DNA by collecting body surface mucus from wild manta rays, using a toothbrush for Evaluating manta ray mucus as an alternative DNA source for population genetics study. This study was the first example involving underwater collection of mucus by scuba divers and was shown to be an effective, low-cost option to traditional sampling techniques that could create opportunities to apply this method to other shark and ray species.
Utilizing other pioneering research techniques, the Marine Megafauna whale shark team used paired-laser photogrammetry to improve size and demographic estimates for whale sharks, at two coastal aggregation sites in the Western Indian Ocean; Tofo Beach in southern Mozambique and Mafia Island, Tanzania. Results of the population segregation by size and sex observed here and elsewhere, reinforces the need to determine the whereabouts of newborn sharks, immature female sharks, and mature sharks of both sexes to improve conservation and management for this globally threatened species.
“We are proud to have our papers recognized by PeerJ and pleased that our work resonated with the scientific community. As conservation biologists we strive to contribute information that will push the envelope on what we know about these vulnerable species so that we can better protect them. We look forward to continuing our groundbreaking research on these threatened ocean giants.”
– Andrea Marshall, MMF Co-Founder
To find out more about the Marine Megafauna Foundation and their work visit www.marinemegafauna.org.
GROUNDTRUTH, a story-led material innovation company that is fast forging a reputation for its next generation travel gear, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the world’s largest diving association – PADI – on a range of pioneering submersible bags.
Entitled UNDA, Latin for wave, the collaborative range sets a new standard in sustainable design, with the GROUNDTRUTH team transforming the standard drybag into a future-focused travel companion, representing the two partners’ shared philosophy of ocean and environmental protection.
The 100% recycled bag range’s proprietary material is made from plastic waste including ghost fishing nets, post-consumer Nylon and plastic bottles. It is used alongside GROUNDTRUTH’S own patent-pending GT-OCO-CO2® hardware range, made from recycled plastic and captured CO2 emissions.
With a presence via 6,600 dive centres and resorts in 184 countries and territories throughout the world, PADI has amassed a hugely engaged community of 30 million+ divers to date. This collection creates a platform to highlight the shocking / mind blowing impact of plastics affecting our blue planet while actively contributing to its removal – empowering people from around the globe to take meaningful action to protect what they love.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with PADI on this project which will be launched via PADI’s global diving network and via our own channels,” said Georgia Scott, Co-founder and CEO of GROUNDTRUTH. “Ghost fishing nets account for over 50% of all plastic waste in our oceans, causing irreversible damage to global marine ecosystems. By combining our expertise in innovative design with PADI’s dedication to Ocean conservation, we aim to make a significant positive impact through the repurposing of these harmful plastics. GROUNDTRUTH was created with the value that all consumer products should contribute to a safer planet.”
“We are proud to collaborate with GROUNDTRUTH, as this partnership exemplifies our shared mission to mobilize the global community of Torchbearers who actively explore and protect our ocean,” said Lisa Nicklin, Vice President of Growth and Marketing for PADI Worldwide “Together, we’ve revolutionized the way that divers can carry around their essentials while elevating their commitment to protecting the place they love. It’s truly a product line designed by divers, for divers.
The UNDA range will be available for pre-order through www.groundtruth.global from the 3rd of February 2025 with PADI members being given the first opportunity to buy via their channels. Join us in this pioneering initiative to explore, protect, and preserve our oceans for future generations.
For more information about the GROUNDTRUTH x PADI collaboration, click here.
About GROUNDTRUTH®
GROUNDTRUTH sparks a new generation of travel gear that enables and accelerates positive change, making a transformative impact to industries, processes and people. As a green technology business and lifestyle brand, at the heart of GROUNDTRUTH is the exploration and development of new materials crafted from the world’s pollution and plastic waste. Their patent-pending GT-OCO-CO2® hardware range, created from recycled plastic and captured CO2 Emissions, is a world first.
Utilising their origins as investigative documentary filmmakers, sisters and founders Georgia, Sophia and Nina Scott, have hand-built GROUNDTRUTH’s unique Bluesign® certified supply chain ecosystem with partners who share the brand’s ethos for people and our planet. Their mission and products are created to support and empower individuals who are making a difference, both in their communities and around the world.
About PADI®
PADI® (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®) is the largest purpose-driven diving organization with a global network of 6,600 dive centers and resorts, 128,000 professional members and more than 29 million certified divers to date. Committed to our blue planet, PADI makes the wonder of the underwater world accessible to all, empowering people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action, as Ocean TorchbearersTM, to protect the world beneath the surface. For over 50 years, PADI is undeniably The Way the World Learns to Dive®, setting the standard for the highest quality dive training, underwater safety and conservation initiatives while evolving the sport of diving into a passionate lifestyle. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and, with its global foundation, PADI AWARETM, creating positive ocean change. Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.SM
In a video produced exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman reviews the 7mm Ultrawarm Dry Hood by BARE.
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