Spotting Eagle rays in the Bay Islands of Honduras

Spotted Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) are some of the most iconic megafaunas found in the Bay Islands of Honduras. Seeing their elegant flights beneath the waves has always been a highlight and goal for many a diver and snorkeler. However, despite being classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, we know very little about these enigmatic creatures, especially in Honduras. So ilili set out on a collaboration with the Whale Shark Oceanic Research Center to learn more about Spotted Eagle Rays. 

One thing we know about Spotted Eagle rays is that their iconic spots, which give them their name, are unique, much like fingerprints, and this can be used to our advantage. These unique patterns allow for photo-identification, helping us track their movements over time. This method is popular for studying marine creatures where tagging is challenging and expensive. Similar approaches have been used with other species, such as identifying Humpback whales by their flukes (tails), Manta Rays by the patterns on their undersides, and Whale sharks by their spot patterns.

In 2022 we created a citizen science form on our website, to start tracking these rays. Photos are submitted by divers or snorkelers who spot a Spotted Eagle ray (pun intended) – if the photo clearly shows at least one of the pelvic fins of the ray (see photos) then we can use the photo for photo-identification! Using a software called I3S Spot, we can isolate the spot pattern on the pelvic fin of a Spotted Eagle ray and compare it to other individuals in our database to see if there is a match or if it is a brand-new individual. If it’s an individual that hasn’t been recorded before, then the lucky photographer gets to name the creature! 

We have recorded 179 individual rays in the Bay Islands out of 333 photos processed. This means that 19.4% of the rays have been resighted. Interestingly, no individual has been spotted in both Roatan and Utila, suggesting there may be no movement between the islands. Additionally, one individual on Utila has been staying around the island for nearly six years, making it the longest ongoing sighting of an individual we've observed so far!

We use this data collected to understand more about where an individual eagle ray’s distribution – that is, where and how far they travel. Also, because we often see Spotted Eagle rays in groups, we can tell if they stick to the same groups or mix it up more, which tells us about their social interactions! This is all crucial information for the protection of these beautiful creatures.

To participate in this citizen science project and the chance to name your own Spotted Eagle ray, keep your eyes peeled when snorkeling and diving in the Bay Islands, and submit your pictures here.