We have a theory to test: efoils or motorized surfboards affect the feeding patterns of manta rays in this area. Efoilers are using this surf break more often, and we need to understand the implications for the safety of both mantas and sea turtles.
Mantas are much easier to spot than smaller resident sea turtles. Since they are travelers, we can quickly determine if they feed while efoils are used. Our theory can easily be disproven if both are in the same area.
Efoils create noise as they glide through the water, which carries above the surface. When paired with a motor, the noise increases. Motor sounds can travel significant distances underwater. How does this impact the mantas? Are they intelligent enough to evade the disturbance?
While surfboard fins can potentially strike animals, foils are larger and wider and travel deeper in the water, possibly causing more harm. Foils operate like wings, generating lift as they accelerate. Due to their equipment’s design, efoilers prefer smaller waves. Manta rays also appear on days with smaller waves.
The mantas fed in their usual spots on this day after the efoilers had vacated the area.