After returning from a Trip to the Socorro Islands, I Learned Scary News about our Conservation Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas

I recently returned from a trip with conservation superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas. We dived the Revillagigedo Islands, aka the Socorro Islands, a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of Mexico and are located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) off Mexico’s western coast. The islands are known for their diverse and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for diving enthusiasts like me. Some species in the waters around the Revillagigedo islands include 11 species of sharks, giant manta rays, dolphins, and whales. The islands are also home to a variety of seabirds and unique flora. It is the only place on earth where I’ve seen so much human and fish/mammal interaction. The mantas love to swim above you enjoying your scuba bubbles, and on my last trip, I danced with a dolphin which was a magical experience.

I’ve been scuba diving in the Revillagigedo Archipelago since 2012. I’ve been on four dive trips, two with Dr. Andrea Marshall. After our last wonderful trip in January of 2024, Andrea had a brain aneurysm. This has been a devastating blow for her, her family, her admirers, and Marine Megafauna. Andrea is truly a conservation pioneer, she was the first person to do a PhD on Manta Rays and discovered 2, perhaps 3, species of Manta. She has contributed to the knowledge of Mantas and their behaviors, and advocates tirelessly on their behalf. Many waters are now protected for Mantas, most of them due to Andrea’s continued advocacy. Check out her latest TED Talk and Virtual Reality!

Why is she called the Queen of Mantas? In 2010, after Andrea moved to Mozambique to study these amazing giants, the BBC was so intrigued by her work and personality, they filmed a documentary about her research called “Queen of Mantas”. As dated as it is now, it is still an incredible documentary to watch. I was drawn to her because she studied mantas, my favorite fish in the ocean since I’d seen them as a child in Florida.

Two years later, I had an opportunity to do a volunteer scuba diving program in Mozambique, in the same town she lived in. I made it a point to meet her. I began to donate to the Marine Megafauna Foundation, a small foundation at that time, to protect large marine animals. She started MMF with Dr. Simon Pierce in Tofo Beach, Mozambique. MMF has grown, and the research conducted by the organization has not only contributed to our knowledge but has protected these animals from extinction. They are still on the red list, endangered, but I truly believe they’d be extinct by now if not for her and her team.

I have been on many citizen science expeditions with Andrea. I’ve traveled to Ecuador, the Yucatan, twice to Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park, both in Indonesia, and I’ve gone on trips with her in the Revillagigedos. She has also begun working with Jessica Pate to study my Florida Manta Rays! I’ve always been thrilled by the expeditions and my opportunities to contribute to her research, plus I have made a treasured friend. She has inspired and amazed me in many ways, I adore her little girl, Mia, and her husband Janneman. Andrea introduced me to others who shared my passion and gave my scuba diving adventures more meaning. I have said when I grow up, I want to be Andrea Marshall.

Diving with the Queen of Mantas in collaboration with the Marine Megafauna Foundation, or Ray of Hope Expeditions, has given me unique and unforgettable experiences. Andrea’s research projects protect these majestic creatures and their habitat in the waters around the Socorro Islands. Divers participating in this initiative can encounter giant manta rays up close, learn about their behavior and conservation, and participate in Citizen Science. Adding to the research efforts, it is a remarkable opportunity to dive with these gentle giants and support conservation efforts to safeguard their populations for future generations.

My heart is with Andrea’s family, friends, and admirers (and there are so many of us) as they wish her full recovery. She will not return to her research for the foreseeable future as she works hard to recover in rehab. I humbly ask you to donate to her recovery at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-ray-of-hope-for-andrea-queen-of-mantas, even a small amount would help. A conservation pioneer like her must get back to her research. I am currently writing a children’s book about this incredible and inspiring woman, she is an amazing role model for children. Hey, if you know an agent or publisher, or you are an agent or publisher, you can contact me at travelswithtam@gmail.com.

Let’s get Andrea back out there to continue her amazing research projects!