MMF is offering scuba diving citizen scientists to join an expedition to the Revillagigedo Archipelago – aka Socorro – in January 2024
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), has announced that is partnering with Mexican not-for-profit shark and manta ray research organisation Pelagios Kakunjá to host a liveaboard dive expedition to the Revillagigedo Archipelago – also known simply as Socorro, for one of its islands – in January 2024.
Led by MMF co-founders Dr Andrea Marshall and Dr Simon J Pierce, the expedition will be joined by Pelagios Kakunjá scientist, Madalena Cabral, who will be deploying satellite tags on giant oceanic manta rays as part of her PhD research.
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The expedition will take place onboard the legendary Nautilus UnderSea, a liveboard specifically outfitted for research and exploration. Since her debut in 1968, Nautilus UnderSea has been involved with a number of scientific and filming expeditions, hosting luminaries such as Dr Sylvia Earle and Howard and Michele Hall, and has been used to film IMAX documentaries and James Bond films.
Expedition divers can look forward to close encounters with giant manta rays, dolphins, schooling sharks, and migrating whales, all amidst the extraordinary backdrop of the volcanic islands of Socorro, San Benedicto, and the Roca Partida seamount.
The Revillagigedo Archipelago, North America’s largest Marine Protected Area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated worldwide for these life-changing marine experiences.
‘We are thrilled to host this expedition. It’s so much more than a dive trip, it’s an opportunity to contribute to the conservation of these remarkable species and their critical habitats,’ said Dr Andrea Marshall. ‘This collaboration with Pelagios Kakunjá will gather invaluable data to inform manta ray conservation.’
The expedition is set to commence on January 19–27, 2024, and is limited to a maximum of 17 guests in order to maintain an intimate, hands-on experience. Prices range from USD$4,050 to $4,750 per person based on shared occupancy.
MMF Socorro expedition highlights:
- Being led by the world-renowned marine researchers and MMF co-founders Dr Andrea Marshall and Dr Simon Pierce.
- The opportunity to experience extraordinary encounters with marine megafauna like giant manta rays, dolphins, schooling sharks, and migrating whales in their natural habitat.
- A unique chance to observe cutting-edge marine research, as Madalena Cabral from Pelagios Kakunjá will be deploying satellite tags on manta rays (if possible) as part of her doctoral research.
- Travelling aboard the Nautilus UnderSea, a legendary exploration vessel that has been a part of multiple scientific and filming expeditions since 1968.
- 100 per cent of profits made from the trip will go to supporting marine research.
For more details about the trip and bookings, visit www.marinemegafauna.org/trips-all/socorro.
