Manta Ray and Mobula Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Manta and mobula rays are killed in large numbers for their gill plates used in traditional medicine, with additional welfare threats from entanglement and boat strikes.

Key Facts

All manta ray species are now listed on CITES Appendix II following population declines
An estimated 3,000-5,000 manta rays are killed annually for gill plates for traditional medicine
Manta rays are highly intelligent, curious animals that interact with divers in complex ways
They are among the slowest-reproducing fish — females produce one pup every 2-3 years
Gill plates have no scientifically validated medicinal properties

Welfare Considerations

Manta and mobula rays caught for gill plates are killed slowly — gill plates are removed in ways that do not cause instantaneous death. Entanglement in fishing gear causes drowning in animals that, while gill-breathing, cannot tolerate the lack of ram ventilation during prolonged capture struggle. Their low reproductive rate means population recovery from hunting pressure takes decades. The suffering caused by gill plate hunting is severe and the purported benefit is scientifically unsupported.

What You Can Do

Support manta ray sanctuary creation in key feeding and cleaning station areas
Advocate for demand reduction campaigns targeting gill plate consumers in traditional medicine markets
Donate to Manta Trust and Mobula Conservation Fund monitoring and protection work
Choose dive operators who follow responsible manta interaction guidelines