Genetic Variation of Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula Birostris) Based on mtDNA Data in The Savu Sea, Indonesia

Analysis of mitochondrial ND5 sequences from 30 oceanic manta rays sampled across East Flores, West Manggarai, and Rote Ndao revealed low genetic differentiation and strong connectivity among locations, indicating a single, well-connected population within the Savu Sea. Despite relatively high haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity was low, suggesting vulnerability to ongoing fishing pressure and population decline. These findings highlight the need for integrated, seascape-scale conservation and fisheries management across MPAs in the Savu Sea, emphasizing coordinated enforcement, bycatch mitigation, and protection of movement corridors rather than isolated, site-based measures for this highly mobile and endangered species.

Author:

Muhammad Danie Al Malik, Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Edy Topan, Ni Putu Dian Pertiwi, Enex Yuni Artiningsih, Sila Kartika Sari, Sarah Lewis, Derta Prabuning, Andrianus Sembiring

Publisher:

Biodiversitas

Keywords:

connectivity, fisheries management, genetic

Group Species:

Elasmobranch

Species:

Oceanic manta ray

Scale:

Savu Sea

Year:

2022