We now have a better understanding of how and where reef manta rays move in the waters of Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, Indonesia. With these insights, we can better protect this vulnerable species. "Understanding [their movement] networks allow us to identify crucial habitats and movement corridors for reef manta rays, informing targeted conservation efforts that are vital for the species' long-term survival," says @Edy Setyawan, who led the research together with the Raja Ampat MPA Management Authority, Konservasi Indonesia, Conservation International Asia-Pacific in-country partner, Macquarie University and the University of Auckland. While Raja Ampat already has a large-scale and effectively managed network of marine protected areas, findings underscore a need to expand protections to ensure manta reef movement networks are covered, according to Dr. Mark Erdmann, Conservation International Vice President of Asia-Pacific Marine Programs. Raja Ampat is the epicenter of tropical marine biodiversity and Konservasi Indonesia, Conservation International’s in-country partner, works to help protect these waters and ensure that coastal communities, and all people, can benefit from an ocean teeming with life.