Support a Ray of Hope for Andrea, Queen of Mantas

A call to support Dr. Andrea Marshall’s long-term medical care.

MMF co-founder, Dr Andrea Marshall suffered a significant right brain stroke as a result of a ruptured aneurysm. Andrea underwent emergency surgery followed by a series of near fatal complications. She remains in intensive care where she is fighting for her life. Andrea will likely require a substantial amount of time and extensive rehabilitation therapy to recover and overcome the setbacks.

Andrea and her family are enduring a traumatic life changing event. We are calling for your help to support her medical expenses and her dedicated family.

Andrea is loving mother to Mia Samanta, a dedicated wife to her beloved husband Janneman, a great daughter, and a caring friend.

Today, Andrea needs your help. As her friends, we would like to ask for your generosity to support Andrea and her family. Your contributions will go directly towards Andrea's medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the ongoing support she will need to overcome this difficult period in her life so that she can continue to dedicate herself to protecting and saving our Oceans. We thank you for your support of a Ray of Hope for the Queen of Mantas .

As you may know, Andrea has inspired countless individuals along her journey as a Marine Scientist and Conservationist. Her passion, drive and resilience led to a 20+ years career protecting the coastline of Mozambique where she has lived since writing her PhD thesis that changed what marine scientists knew about manta rays …. Andrea’s PhD led to the discovery of 2 distinct species of manta rays: Manta alfredi and Manta birostris (recently renamed Mobulas).

Andrea was featured in the BBC Natural World documentary, called "Andrea The Queen of Mantas" covering her amazing work at that time.

Despite the challenge involved in forming and maintaining a Nonprofit Organization, Andrea along with her friend Dr. Simon Pierce launched the Marine Megafauna Foundation . Since inception, MMF has grown into a global organization leading pioneering research and conservation of sharks, rays, and other marine megafauna along with their habitats, and educating the communities living near the oceans.

Andrea’s expert research has contributed to countless milestones in the protection of manta rays globally. She also championed the recognition of the Inhambane Seascape as a “Hope Spot” by Dr Sylvia Earl ’s Mission Blue in 2022, a great achievement that brings awareness to one of the few regions in the world full of marine biodiversity and in need of global protection.

Recently, Andrea was featured on CNN Inside Africa which showcased how her inspiration has led to young local Marine Scientists dedicating themselves to protecting marine areas in Mozambique.

Andrea has been inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame for her contributions in her field of diving. She is a fighter and we hope and pray that with this fundraiser, she will be able to recover strongly to continue her great achievements. Once again, thank you for your generosity.