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Manta Watch: Discovering Aotearoa's Gentle Giants

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Exegesis(3.41 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Pratt, Rebecca

Supervisor

Zalipour, Arezou
Milligan, Christina

Item type

Exegesis

Degree name

Master of Communication Studies

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Documentary filmmakers have frequently been captivated by the beauty and allure of marine life, yet the Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula birostris) is seldom depicted in such productions. Despite being the largest ray globally, reaching widths of up to 7 metres and weighing over two tonnes, Oceanic Manta Rays are very elusive creatures. Moreover, as of 2024, these rays rank as critically endangered status on the global scale, as designated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the context of New Zealand, Oceanic Manta Rays are protected species; however, a historical lack of scientific data poses a challenge in understanding and protecting this population. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) acknowledges this deficiency, classifying the conservation status of Oceanic Manta Rays as 'data deficient,' indicating insufficient information to assess their risk of extinction. This research endeavour encompasses the creation of a nature documentary titled Manta Watch - Discovering Aotearoa’s Gentle Giants, and aims to explore the nuanced techniques and strategies necessary to portray New Zealand's Oceanic Manta Rays authentically. The accompanying exegesis documents its processes and discoveries by focusing on filmmaking environments in the documentary's production. Combining observational and poetic documentary styles, I merge personal encounters with Oceanic Manta Rays with reflexive interviews featuring prominent scientists engaged in Manta Ray research in New Zealand. The documentary's production involved diverse filmmaking environments, including solo expeditions in the Hauraki Gulf and collaborations with the citizen science project, Manta Watch New Zealand. Employing filmmaking as a research tool, I developed and employed various techniques such as aerial and underwater cinematography, interviews, hydrophone deployment, animation, editing, archival work, and sound design. Furthermore, this exegesis delves into the ethical dimensions of nature documentary filmmaking, highlighting the significance of responsible storytelling and conservation advocacy. Through this study, I contribute to the evolving discourse on nature documentary filmmaking, particularly within the context of New Zealand. Ultimately, this research aims to underscore the transformative potential of visual storytelling in raising awareness about Oceanic Manta Rays in New Zealand waters and advocating for their continued conservation efforts.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18195

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Masters Theses