Manta and mobula ray gill rakers are targeted for traditional medicine markets, causing significant population declines and individual welfare harms through cruel capture methods.
Manta and mobula ray welfare is compromised by both the capture methods used and the lack of any evidence supporting the traditional medicine claims that drive the trade. Rays captured by harpoon or spearing experience acute trauma before death. The trade therefore imposes real welfare costs on intelligent, long-lived animals for a product with no demonstrated benefit. Manta rays in particular show complex behaviors including apparent curiosity toward divers and what researchers describe as play behavior - suggesting cognitive complexity that amplifies welfare concern. Demand reduction campaigns that highlight the absence of medicinal value are among the most effective interventions available.