Manta rays under threat: how we can help

Manta rays are some of the most charismatic creatures in our oceans and have the largest brain of any fish. Their intelligence and curiosity make an underwater encounter truly unforgettable, yet much about these gentle giants remains a mystery. Travel writer Laura May speaks to marine conservationist and educator Flossy Barraud, who has spent years working with the Manta Trust and the Maldivian Manta Ray Project, to find out why manta rays remain one of the most threatened species in our oceans and how travellers can help protect them.

The Maldivian Manta Ray Project was established back in 2005 by Guy Stevens. He had just landed a job as a marine biologist in the Maldives and, at the time, very little was known about manta rays – not just in the Maldives, but globally. The project needed to fill-in essential knowledge gaps – how long do they live? How do they reproduce? His studies revealed that they are one of the most threatened fish in our seas. A coordinated approach to global research was needed and the Manta Trust was created. Science needed to become the tool to inform conservation action and direct real, measurable change.

Flossy has worked with the Manta Trust since 2018, leading education and outreach programmes in the Maldives before helping develop the charity's global education initiatives. She explains one of the greatest threats facing the species. “It is due to excessive targeted and incidental catch in fisheries. The demand is driven by an international trade in gill plates used in traditional medicine, which is having a devastating impact on populations. Thanks to pressure from the Manta Trust and other NGOs, mantas have now been listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This legislation means countries must prove that any international trade in manta gill plates is sustainable, which is extremely difficult given the impact on their survival.

The Maldives is lucky enough to have the largest known population of reef manta rays, which have never been fished, making it one of the best places in the world to observe them in their natural state. This long-term study has now been running for more than 20 years and continues to provide valuable insight into manta populations and the effects of climate change, pollution and habitat degradation. 

So how can locals – and guests in the Maldives – help? “We've created IDtheManta to utilise people power in aiding the research and conservation of manta rays. By submitting photographs and sighting information, divers and snorkellers can help researchers identify individual mantas and better understand their movements and behaviour."

I wonder how involved local communities get in the project, given this is essentially their ocean back garden. “We created the Baa Atoll Manta Festival to raise awareness of marine conservation among local students and communities,” says Flossy. The festival brings together schools, local organisations and tourism partners through educational talks, activities and ocean experiences designed to inspire the next generation of marine conservationists. “We've also helped young Maldivians gain access to snorkelling opportunities and experience their incredible marine environment first-hand."

Hanifaru Bay is truly unique; and its shape and position functions as a ‘zooplankton reservoir’, so when the lunar tide and monsoonal currents align, the zooplankton becomes trapped and creates an incredible feeding ground for a huge number of manta rays and whale sharks. The team has seen over 200 manta rays during just one feeding event. “Manta rays follow zooplankton, which is driven by the monsoon winds and currents. During the Southwest Monsoon, from May-November, they are concentrated on the east coast of all of the atolls in the central Maldives. During the Northeast Monsoon, from December-April, the productivity shifts to the west of the atolls. During the period of change between monsoons, it is common to have fewer sightings of mantas on either side of the atoll as the rays move between seasonal foraging grounds. Since Hanifaru Bay is located on the northeast corner of the Baa Atoll, this site is only active between the months of May-November.”

So what’s it like to dive among these incredible creatures? “Manta rays are completely harmless. They have no stingers or barbs at the base of their tails and have no sharp teeth. They are incredibly agile in the water and are able to glide past and avoid snorkellers and divers with ease. They can reach a maximum wing width of seven metres for oceanic mantas (Mobula birostris), around 20 feet, although a more common size is three metres for an adult female reef manta (Mobula alfredi). This makes them by far the largest of all the rays."

Despite the research, manta rays are still a mystery in many ways and I ask why they are often seen jumping out of the water. “We don’t know 100%,” says Flossy. “It could be that they are itchy, removing remoras and ectoparasites by slapping their bodies on the water. It could be a courtship dance or act of excitement; or it could be linked to sounding an alert to other manta rays nearby to come and feed, creating a vibration through the water.”

So during a holiday to the Maldives, what is good manta ray etiquette if you encounter one during a snorkelling session or dive? “We have created guidelines and educational resources to help people interact responsibly with manta rays. The key is to observe them respectfully, give them plenty of space and avoid disturbing their natural behaviour. They are truly amazing animals and any time spent with these magnificent creatures is a humbling experience, and one that you will never forget.”

I ask Flossy what the future holds for manta rays. “While awareness and protection for manta rays have improved significantly in recent years, they continue to face threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, marine pollution and climate change. Research organisations such as the Manta Trust continue to provide the science needed to inform conservation decisions and protect critical habitats around the world.”

Today, Flossy's work continues to focus on helping people develop a deeper connection with the ocean through education, conservation and community-led initiatives. It's a philosophy that reflects the broader challenge of manta ray conservation: people are far more likely to protect what they understand, value and experience for themselves.

The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.