Manta ray sanctuary designations are protecting populations from targeted fishing and bycatch mortality with measurable welfare and population benefits.
Manta ray welfare is challenged by a combination of targeted fishing and incidental bycatch mortality. Gill plate removal for traditional medicine markets causes direct welfare harm — targeted killing of highly intelligent, socially complex rays. Bycatch entanglement in fishing gear causes drowning or injury and represents a less visible but significant welfare source. Sanctuary designations address targeted fishing but struggle with bycatch mortality from overlapping fisheries. The welfare and conservation case for manta protection is strong: their slow reproductive rate means each individual represents an irreplaceable breeding contribution, and their demonstrated intelligence and social complexity heightens the moral weight of their protection.