Manta Ray Welfare and Bycatch Risk

Oceanic and reef manta rays face welfare threats from targeted fishing, bycatch entanglement, and boat strike injuries across their tropical and subtropical range.

Key Facts

Manta rays are the largest rays, with wingspans reaching up to 7 metres
They are highly intelligent with the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish
Both oceanic and reef manta rays are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered
Gill plates are harvested for traditional medicine, driving targeted fishing
Bycatch in longlines and gillnets causes drowning, injury, and stress
Manta rays can live 40+ years and reproduce very slowly

Welfare Considerations

Manta rays are among the most cognitively complex fish, capable of mirror self-recognition. When caught as bycatch or targeted for their gill plates, they experience severe physical trauma and psychological stress. Entanglement in fishing gear causes exhaustion and suffocation. Boat strike injuries leave deep lacerations. Their slow reproductive rate means populations cannot recover quickly from welfare-related mortalities. Marine sanctuaries and bycatch reduction devices offer meaningful protection.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing products containing manta ray gill plates
Support the Manta Trust and its global conservation programmes
Choose seafood certified by sustainable fishing standards that minimise bycatch
Advocate for expansion of manta ray sanctuaries in key range countries
Donate to organisations funding bycatch reduction device research
Report manta ray sightings to citizen science databases