On the 17th of September each year, we celebrate ‘World Manta Day’, a global initiative to spread awareness about the importance of protecting the manta rays and mobula, also known as devil rays.
This year, World Manta Day returns with the theme ‘The Power of Storytelling’ in manta conservation efforts. Stories can resonate with people, give a voice to the unheard, and spread understanding of the unknown. By using the hashtag #WorldMantaDay, the global community can unite to share their narratives, spread the word, and take action to ensure their survival in our oceans.
Understanding the Threats the Manta and Devil Rays Are Facing
The similar yet different mobula rays and manta rays are some of the gentlest creatures in the ocean. They’re known for their intelligence and curious nature, often seen approaching divers. However, their population has been declining in the past couple of years because of various threats, such as several human activities that put their survival at risk.
1. The Usage of Manta Gill Plates in Asian Medicine
One of the biggest threats to manta rays is the high demand for their gill plates. These gills are often used in traditional Asian medicine, as they are believed to have healing properties.
However, a study led by Mary P. O’Malley and collaborators from WildAid, Manta Trust, the University of Queensland, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography revealed that there is little to no recognized scientific or medicinal backing for this claim. The study also found that some traditional Asian medicine practitioners disputed these claims altogether.
Despite this, mantas are still hunted in high numbers for their gills. Though some countries have banned the capture and trade of manta rays, illegal markets still thrive, particularly in regions with lax law enforcement. What’s more, these gills often fetch a high price on the black market, which further fuels this destructive practice.
2. Unregulated Manta Ray Tourism
Because of their curious and gentle nature, manta rays attract tourists from all over the world, particularly those who love the ocean and marine life, such as divers and snorkelers. At a glance, manta ray tourism may seem beneficial, but if done irresponsibly, it can seriously harm these animals.
Unregulated tourism often causes stress on the mantas and even injures them. In many cases, it can also disrupt their natural behaviors. There are several signs you can look out for to identify unregulated tourism, including overcrowded dive sites and reckless boat activities, which can injure the mantas by boat propellers or disturb them during important cleaning and feeding behaviors. To understand more about diving with manta responsibly, check out our ultimate guide to diving with manta rays.
3. Climate Change and Habitat Destruction
Often overlooked, climate change and habitat degradation or destruction are also some of the biggest reasons why the manta and mobular ray numbers are falling in many regions.
As filter feeders, mantas feed on microscopic animals called zooplankton. However, rising temperatures and ocean acidification caused by climate change can disrupt plankton populations. Changes in ocean currents can also impact the mantas’ migratory pattern, forcing them to adapt to unfamiliar environments that may not have sufficient food or protection for them.
Not only that but pollution and infrastructure development in coastal areas can further destroy important habitats like coral reefs, which are vital for the mantas.
4. Bycatch and Fishing Net Entanglement
Another contributor to the decline of the manta ray population is bycatch, where they accidentally got captured in fishing nets. Due to their large body and slow movements, mantas often get entangled in fishing nets that are meant for other fish.
When a manta is caught in these nets, they often suffocate or suffer severe injuries that can potentially lead to death.
Bycatch and fishing net entanglements are especially common in regions with industrial fishing operations, where large-scale nets are often used. This is one of the most concerning threats for mantas, as fishing nets can affect both adult and juvenile mantas.
The Critical Importance of Manta Conservation
The conservation of manta rays is crucial to protect the marine ecosystem and biodiversity. Here are some points to further explain why we need to get involved in manta ray protection initiatives:
1. Prevent Extinction
As the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has listed manta rays, particularly giant manta ray as endangered, raising awareness of the threats faced by these creatures become more important.
Manta ray and devil ray populations around the world have been declining rapidly because of various reasons, from overfishing to climate change. Without serious conservation efforts, they are at risk of extinction.
Proper conservation efforts would require reducing direct threats and implementing effective management and policies. For instance, protected areas can be created as a safe haven for marine animals, including sharks and rays. Strict fishing regulations also need to be enforced to ensure their survival and prevent extinction.
2. Indicator Species
Do you know that manta rays are often seen as indicator species? This means that their health reflects the overall health of their environment. By protecting these rays, we can also help take care of the underwater world and everything that lives in it, including other marine species, coral reefs, and many more.
3. Ecological Benefits
Mantas have an important role in marine ecosystems. As filter feeders, they can help maintain the health of the ocean by regulating the population of zooplanktons and preventing these microscopic organisms from overwhelming the ecosystem.
In addition, the mantas’ feeding habit also helps maintain the health of coral reefs, which in turn, supports reef biodiversity. Because everything in nature is interlinked, by conserving mantas, we can also help preserve the balance of ecosystems that rely on the mantas’ presence.
How You Can Support Manta Ray Conservation on World Manta Day
September 17th is the day we celebrate World Manta Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers faced by the rays and how urgent it is to protect them. Here are a few things you can do to make a meaningful change on this special day:
1. Spread Awareness Through Storytelling
When it comes to making change and protecting a species, people often assume that we need to do big things, like donating a large sum of money or joining a volunteer program. While it’s true that these things can greatly benefit every conservation effort, they might not be the most doable for many people.
If you belong in this category, don’t worry. You can still support conservation initiatives through storytelling. This year’s World Manta Day theme is ‘The Power of Storytelling’, which emphasizes how our experiences, knowledge, and education can inspire action for the greater good.
You can do your part by sharing about the mantas’ ecological importance, the threats they face, and the actions we can take to help protect them in online spaces, including social media posts, blogs, or videos. Remember to use the hashtag #WorldMantaDay to get more visibility!
2. Support Manta Ray Conservation Efforts
One of the most impactful and direct ways to contribute is by supporting organizations and initiatives dedicated to conserving manta rays. You can donate, join volunteering programs, or even participate in their campaigns.
3. Be a Responsible and Mindful Tourist
Since mantas are completely harmless to humans, they become popular attractions for eco-tourism. However, it’s important to make sure that the eco-tourism is done right so that it won’t harm them.
To have sustainable scuba diving trips that support eco-tourism, you can avoid tours or activities that allow direct contact or harm the rays, choose operators who prioritize animal welfare and sustainability, and make sure that the boats maintain a safe distance from the rays.
At Solitude World Liveaboard & Resorts, we understand how important it is to protect the mantas while also allowing you to get the best manta ray experience, taking you to some of the best manta hotspots in the world, including Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines, Palau, as well as Raja Ampat, Komodo Island, and Banda Sea in Indonesia. Our liveaboards provide PADI-certified guides who are committed to educating divers on the best ways to interact with sea creatures and nature.
What are you waiting for? Book your next diving adventure with us here today!