This Amazing Footage Is Also Important Data

Scientists know that megafauna like Chilean devil rays play key roles in oceanic ecosystems, and yet, much about them is still a mystery. In the Azores, where the rays form iconic aggregations every summer, Pedro Afonso, Jorge Fontes, and their students are hatching a plan to gain a whole new perspective on their habitat use. Equipped with non-invasive camera tags and all the environmental sampling tools of OceanXplorer, they might be able to unlock new secrets from the lives of these graceful giants.

Tag footage courtesy of Jorge Fontes.

#marinebiology #azores #devilrays #pov #oceanx #shorts

[sharonkaczorowski]

These beautiful creatures are favorites of mine…their grace in water is a joy to see. Important research…thank you.

[EmpressOfExile]

That remora is literally just chilling upside-down on the ray... _the definition_ of "unbothered" lmao‼️😂
(I only recently learned that they're usually underneath "their ride" because their suckers are *on top* of their heads and I can't ever see them the same!)

[AutumnElaine]

Where do the harnesses go after they fall off...?

[embryocean]

Aaw! It's Mantine and Remoraid! ❤️

[marthastewwart]

You know that Ray will be bullied for the rest of its life now. The others will laugh and point with their uhm... fins. Way to go. Got your water data, but now you've made an incel ray.

[jantjarks]

"Non invasive tags" is nonsense. It clearly invades and maybe affects their lives.

At least the method used isn't harming them.

[sofakingcute]

I’m all about conservation and information but that is not a harness that’s a bungee cord! 🤬