News

What's the ultimate dream of a dedicated droner? How about discovering a new marine species. That’s what may have happened with drone footage captured by Our Children’s Earth Foundation photographer Ivy Yin, who may have confirmed a new species of manta.

Yin’s footage corroborates research by the Florida Manta Project, which has been trying to identify a possible third species of manta ray. There are currently two species: The reef manta (Manta alfredi) and the giant manta ray (Manta birostris). The potential third species differs in morphology and coloration.

“[The ones in Florida’s waters] have been juveniles or not mature which means this could be a nursery habitat,” Florida Manta Project’s Jessica Pate told WPTV of West Palm Beach.

Check out this local Florida news story for more information.