The best-known day is World Manta Day taking place on September 17th the main goal of which is to draw attention to the beautiful manta rays and their significance in the ocean. These graceful and powerful creatures, the largest living beings on the planet, are true treasures of our planet’s oceans. However, manta rays are threatened by a variety of risks resulting from human activity, therefore this day is an excellent opportunity to draw attention to the conservation of the species.
The Majestic Manta Rays: An Overview
Manta rays are in the group known as Mobulidae and some of these are the largest animals found in the seas. There are two recognized species of manta rays: certain types of manta rays include the giant manta ray, scientifically known as Manta birostris, and the reef manta ray, scientifically known as Manta alfredi. The largest kind of mantas, the giant mantas, can reach a wingspan size of up to seven meters while the reef mantas can grow up to 5 meters. Those rays possess their long triangular pectoral fins called wings and the cephalic lobes located on both sides of their rather wide mouth are used to filter plankton while eating.
Manta rays are classified as filter-feeding animals and they feed on plankton, small shoals of fish, and other particles of water with the mouth open while swimming. Contrary to most other species of fish found in the seas, mantas do not have a spine or toxic barbs; therefore, they pose no threat whatsoever to man. They are quite wise and are commonly sighted in large congregations as they move with a lot of ease in water bodies.
An unusual behavior that has been observed among these species of fish is that of acrobatics; the fish seems to be able to jump out of water. Such ‘breaching’ activities are believed to be related to communication, courtship, or a method of attempting to get rid of parasites.
The Importance of Manta Rays in Marine Ecosystems
This is particularly true with the mantas that are vital actors in the ecology of the oceans and seas. Filter feeders are in effect also useful in maintaining a population of plankton in the marine ecosystem. Of similar importance is plankton which is the primary consumer in the ocean and its abundance or shortage in the water will profoundly affect marine life.
Manta rays also fulfill great ecotourism since they are important species in the marine world. Some of these countries including Indonesia, Maldives, and Mexico among others rely on manta ray tourism as the source of their income. Tourists and divers from all corners of the globe visit these places to be able to observe manta rays gracefully in action. But this form of tourism is beneficial and sustainable because it also brings more attention to the value of these amazing animals.
Threats to Manta Rays
Unfortunately, many factors threatening these fish species exist, and most of them are a result of human influence on the environment. The primary threats include:
Overfishing and Bycatch: The leading cause of human activity that threatens the lives of manta rays is fishing. Young mantas usually end up being captured accidentally as they are found in the stomachs of large commercial fishing boats. Also, they are hunted for gill plates, which form a component of medicine made in some parts of Asia. Laddered by the high demand for manta ray gill plates the population of manta rays has been greatly threatened in some areas.
Habitat Destruction: Manta rays are threatened by the loss of their physical structures such as coral reefs and other marine ecosystems through pollution, coastal development, and climate change. The array of threats to coral reefs makes them vulnerable hence a threat to mantas that feed and breed around the reefs.
Pollution: Man-made pollution such as plastic waste is a great problem to manta rays and other marine species through ocean pollution. These animals can easily be affected by eating plastics or getting trapped therein in fishing nets and other related wastes with resultant body injuries or even death. In the same manner, the chemical pollutants and toxins in water are easily absorbed by manta rays lowering their health and reproductive system.
Climate Change: Other factors that are positive to manta rays and associated with climate change include ocean temperatures because they cause coral bleaching. One thing linked with rising sea temperatures is variations in currents and the abundance of plankton and these directly affect the feeding habits of the manta rays and accordingly food availability.
Conservation Efforts for Manta Rays
The protection of manta rays has been on the rise in the last decade with so many individuals, groups, institutions, and governments CPNG involved in the protection and research on manta rays. This event is a massive contributing factor to the efforts to increase awareness, share information, and advocate for improved protective measures.
Several key initiatives have been implemented to safeguard manta ray populations:
Protected Areas: Most nations have created MPAs that create protection for manta rays in which specific sorts of utilization like fishing and demolition cannot occur. Some of the examples include Raja Ampat in Indonesia and Revillagigedo Archipelago in Mexico which harbor a healthy manta population.
International Regulations: The manta rays were listed in the year 2014 in Appendix II of the Cites Convention which seeks to control trade on animals and plants to avoid exploitation. This listing has aided in closing down the market for manta ray gill plates and has prompted the countries to improve their conservation measures.
Research and Monitoring: Public awareness has to be raised about the current research on manta ray behavior, movements, and abundance trends. Currently, the process of monitoring manta rays and donating information vital to the conservation of these rays is done through satellite tracking and photo identification.
Eco-Tourism: There are more and more examples of introducing sustainable tourism and Eco-friendly practices that would ensure the protection of the rays. With the help of supporting eco-touristic activities, the communities will be able to have an economic profit and at the same time maintain the conservation of manta rays. Some tour operators and other stakeholders work with several conservation organizations to ensure that potential tourists are aware of the behavior of manta rays and the need for their protection.
Public Awareness Campaigns: That is, World Manta Day itself is also an awareness-raising tool. Different events such as Hashtags, Seminars, Carnivals, and awareness programs in the community among others are conducted to sensitize the public on the dangers faced by manta rays and what they can do to prevent them.
How You Can Help
There are several ways individuals can contribute to the protection of manta rays and the broader marine environment: There are several ways individuals can contribute to the protection of manta rays and the broader marine environment:
Support Sustainable Tourism: If planning to take diving or snorkeling services make sure that the service providers are manta ray friendly and uphold manta ray conservation.
Reduce Plastic Use: Reducing habits such as using single-use plastics is beneficial in the reduction of water pollution and this is a factor affecting manta rays and other sea species.