The study highlights the localized movement patterns and high residency of satellite-tracked reef manta rays in central and eastern Indonesia, particularly within and around marine protected areas (MPAs). The high site fidelity and residency times of these rays in critical habitats, such as cleaning stations and feeding sites within MPAs (Marine Protected Areas), suggest that these protected areas are well sited and are providing significant protection for reef manta rays already. However, the absence of movement between regions, highlights the need for tailored management strategies to address the specific needs of each local population, as has been previously suggested for the three local subpopulations in Raja Ampat. Despite the generally restricted home ranges observed in this study, several individuals demonstrated extended ranges to neighboring areas outside the MPA boundaries, highlighting potential exposures to anthropogenic threats such as fisheries. These findings enhance our understanding of reef manta ray behavior and residency on a national scale, offering valuable insights to inform the management and conservation of reef manta rays within the world’s largest manta ray sanctuary.

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