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Gallery: Shark, manta, ray, fish research

The research centre is perched at the edge of a bright white beach in the north of D’Arros Island. It provides an essential base for researchers to examine the area’s incredible biodiversity.

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF)–D’Arros Research Centre is perched at the edge of a bright white beach in the north of D’Arros Island. It provides an essential base for researchers to examine the area’s incredible biodiversity, including its large population of manta rays. Photo by Rainer von Brandis | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Shark researcher Ornella Weideli and lab manager Chris Boyes measure a juvenile sicklefin lemon shark. Ornella is studying the young blacktip and lemon sharks in St Joseph’s lagoon for her PhD. More than 90 sharks have been tagged by researchers so far. Photo by Michael Scholl | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Chris Boyes grips a large porcupine ray, while Chantel Elston watches. Photo by Rainer von Brandis | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Legendary turtle expert Jeanne Mortimer watches a hawksbill turtle return to the ocean after laying her eggs on one of D’Arros Island’s beaches. The SOSF–D’Arros Research Centre is using satellite tags to learn where these critically endangered reptiles go to feed. Photo by Rainer von Brandis | © Save Our Seas Foundation

Currently investigating the ecology and movement of manta rays, the SOSF–D’Arros Research Centre has fitted acoustic transmitters to more than 30 individuals and is building up an extensive database of ID photographs. Individual mantas can be recognised by their unique spot patterns. Photo by Rainer von Brandis | © Save Our Seas Foundation

The SOSF–D’Arros Research Centre currently manages an ambitious forest rehabilitation project that systematically replaces abandoned coconut plantations with indigenous forest, enabling a far richer biodiversity to flourish and providing an important home for numerous species. Photo by Rainer von Brandis | © Save Our Seas Foundation