At SDTN, conserving marine life of all kinds is important to us. Today, we're going to take a closer look at some threats manta rays face, and discuss some ways we all can help ensure these peaceful, beautiful rays survive and thrive.
Threats to Manta Rays
No one knows for certain how many Mantas remain in the wild. As their habitats are diverse, and as they are able to remain completely submerged, counts are difficult to come by. Small manta rays are preyed upon by sharks; this is normal and acceptable. What is not acceptable is the fact that mantas are hunted by humans in many places around the world, and they are often victims of unsustainable fishing practices - they're caught in nets, and killed by underwater explosions in some places.
In addition, young mantas are especially vulnerable, and not able to reproduce until they reach a huge size - male mantas must be 13 feet long to reproduce and females must reach 16 feet before reproduction is possible. When stressed, pregnant manta rays lose their offspring; they give birth to just one pup at a time, and will not mate again until at least the following year. Sadly, in many places, mantas are being killed at a faster rate than they can reproduce.
Conservation Efforts
In some places, Manta Ray conservation efforts are a high priority; for example, mantas are protected in Hawaii and in Australia, and some other local and national governments protect them as well. Unfortunately, it isn't just hunting and fishing that causes high manta mortality rates; Manta Rays are extremely susceptible to illness and death due to exposure to chemicals and other toxins along seacoasts where they traditionally thrive.
One way you can help increase Manta Ray survival is to spread awareness. For example, if you live or dive in an area where mantas are traditionally encountered, you can let people know that they should be careful when wading in shallow water. Even though mantas are about 4 feet long when they are born, they are extremely delicate animals and they spend most of their time in very shallow water where people commonly wade. Young manta rays can be injured or killed if stepped on; shuffling your feet along the bottom instead of wading using big steps can help prevent this. As an added bonus, you'll decrease your likelihood of accidentally being stung by a stingray! They often share habitat with mantas.
As divers, there is one additional thing we can do to help Manta Rays stay healthy - that is, never touch a manta! Mantas are covered in a thick gel coating that helps protect their skin from bacterial infections. When you touch a manta, you remove that coating and increase the likelihood this animal will get sick and die. Be sure you share this with fellow divers - the mantas you encounter will benefit as a result.
By spreading awareness, even to a few other people, you make a difference. Millions of people get into the water each day, and thousands of young mantas are killed unintentionally. Using care in shallow water and refraining from touching rays that approach you while diving increases their chance of living to maturity and reproducing - it's a tiny effort that can make a significant impact.
Finally, you can help mantas by participating in beach cleanups, by donating to agencies that study them and promote Manta Ray awareness. These magnificent fish have a great chance to continue to thrive and even to come back from the brink in areas where their numbers are shrinking. If everyone does just a little, we can make a huge difference together.