Wild Manta Ray Bycatch and Tourism Welfare

Manta rays face welfare threats from bycatch in various fisheries and targeted fishing for gill plates used in traditional medicine, while tourism interactions create separate welfare considerations.

Key Facts

Both species of manta ray — reef and oceanic — are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
Gill plate trade for traditional medicine has driven targeted manta ray fishing in Asia despite lack of efficacy evidence
Manta rays are caught as bycatch in purse seine, gillnet, and longline fisheries across their range
Tourist interactions can cause stress particularly when divers block cleaning station access or touch rays
Manta rays have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish and show self-recognition in mirror tests

Welfare Considerations

Manta rays caught in fishing gear experience entanglement stress and can drown if unable to maintain forward movement for breathing. Targeted killing for gill plates that have no proven medicinal value represents preventable welfare harm driven by consumer demand for an ineffective product. Manta ray tourism, if well managed with respectful behavior guidelines, can provide conservation incentives that protect individual welfare better than the alternative of unregulated fishing. Demand reduction for gill plate products is the most direct welfare intervention available.

What You Can Do

Never purchase products containing manta or mobula ray gill plates
Support Manta Trust and Shark Guardian campaigns working on ray conservation and demand reduction
Follow responsible diving guidelines that keep distance from mantas and avoid blocking cleaning stations
Advocate for manta ray protection in national fisheries regulations across their range countries