Manta Naturalist Course

The Manta Naturalist course is designed for manta tour guides and operators in the marine tourism industry on the Kona Coast of the island of Hawaii and will be delivered primarily online, but include two face-to-face sessions. The goals of the Manta Naturalist course are to expand the students’ basic knowledge of manta rays, create awareness of manta ray conservation, and to familiarize students with the Manta Tour Operator Standards and their importance in sustaining the manta tour industry. Students will create and practice an interpretive educational briefing about manta rays. Ultimately, students will use this presentation with their guests to educate those who enjoy the experience.

• Wendy Laros, UH Manoa, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA