Beer partnership supporting manta ray research

The fine folks at Ballistic Beer Co. have partnered with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort to support critical manta ray research on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

In 2021, Ballistic Beer Co. pledged that 10c from every ‘Reef’ beer sold on Lady Elliot Island would go towards Project Manta, to undertake critical research investigating manta rays on the East Coast of Australia.  This contribution has since enabled the purchase of a SPLASH satellite tag to contribute to Project Manta research.

While Queensland, and Lady Elliot Island specifically, are renowned as being some of the best spots to see these majestic gentle giants, there is still much to learn about their movements and habitat use. The SPLASH tag will assist researchers in tracking this information and provide vital data to help with their continued conservation.

The Island has proved to be an important site for manta rays with over 1,000 individuals recorded over the past 15 years. This research has earned the island its well-known title as ‘Home of the Manta Ray’ with sightings all year round, however, manta rays are known to aggregate in larger numbers during the winter months (May-August).

“Since 2007, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort has supported the Project Manta research team and over this time they have identified over 1,000 individual manta rays. Lady Elliot Island has proven to be a prime site for manta ray activity and is integral to the important research undertaken. We are excited by this partnership with Ballistic Beer Co. and the local community! This type of collaboration helps in creating public awareness about manta rays and their fragile reef environment. In doing so, we hope that future generations can continue to enjoy viewing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat”- Peter Gash, Managing Director/Custodian, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

If you're ready to dive in, find out how to swim with a manta on the Great Barrier Reef.