Manta rays are large, intelligent filter feeders targeted for their gill plates used in traditional medicine. Both species are now listed as threatened.
Manta ray fishing involves harpooning or net entanglement. Harpooned rays may be dragged alongside boats while alive. Gill net entanglement causes exhaustion and drowning. Their low reproductive rate means populations cannot withstand significant harvest pressure. The intelligence evidenced by mirror self-recognition suggests manta rays have a richer mental life than their 'fish' classification implies to most people. Demand reduction for gill plates in traditional medicine markets is the critical intervention.