HOSP1001 - Manta Naturalist Course for Manta Tour Guides and Operators
Course Description
Do you work in the marine tourism industry and you’re looking to expand your knowledge? Familiarize yourself with Manta Tour Operator Standards, develop your basic knowledge of manta rays, and create awareness about manta ray research and conservation, prepare and deliver educational briefings about manta rays to your customers. This hybrid course combines online learning and two face-to-face class sessions designed for manta tour guides and operators who work on the Kona Coast of Hawaii Island.
Learner Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, participant will be able to:· Recall basic information about manta rays including a general description, anatomical features, life cycle and behaviors.
· Relate the story of Lefty the manta ray and how this relates to the manta identification project on the Kona coast of Hawaii.
· Explain the mission of Manta Pacific Research Foundation and manta protection in the State of Hawaii.
· Recognize threats to manta rays especially with the gill plate trade in parts of the world and how CITES is helping to prevent unsustainable manta fishing practices worldwide.
· Review the 1993 Manta Encounter Guidelines and the 2013 Manta Tour Operator Standards and discuss how these voluntary codes of conduct help to sustain the manta tour industry in Kona, Hawaii.
· Prepare and deliver a Manta Naturalist presentation with accurate manta information that can be delivered to guests on manta tours.