#manta ray

[gizmo02]

This is how these two shows affections towards one another.

Molly And Sacke (c) Gizmo02

[jellyrat-9203]

Manta themed wings & tails

I was just playing around with colors with most of these, if anyone has any color combo suggestions, feel free to comment or drop an ask.

[puck-everlasting0]

Sky ray

Imagine if manta rays could fly like birds

[zmbieskull]

I got some gouache paint today so this was me trying it out!!

[bhcrafts]

Forgot to share these here - Manta Gays!

You can have me make you one through Ko-fi or Etsy!

(Note: the current turnaround for these is 3-10 weeks, as I’m waiting for the fabric I use to restock. Once I have more on hand, it’ll go back to being 1-3 weeks.)

[fadedaquariusblog]

Manta Rays

The Ocean Manta Ray is currently endangered, while the Reef Manta Ray is vulnerable.

The ocean manta ray is harder to monitor due to its roaming the wide-open ocean vs. the more local reef manta ray that stays in shallower waters.

Each manta ray has unique markings, similar to how people each have unique finger prints.

The greatest threat that's driving population decline is targeted fishing for their gill plates, aka Gill Rakers. These feathery structures are highly sought after for use in certain Asian traditional medicine markets. This demand has created a high-value international trade that fuels legal and illegal fisheries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The lucrative market for gill plates often outweighs the incentive for conservation, on top of that there is lack of actual science supporting their medicinal use.

Manta Rays are also very susceptible to incidental capture or bycatch in large-scale commercial fishing operations. This is due to their large size and slow swimming speed, making them vulnerable to net entanglements. Bycatch mortality is significant, especially for the pelagic Ocean Manta Ray!

Conservation efforts:

At the local level, the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and sanctuaries offer a more direct line of defense. Countries like Indonesia and Ecuador have declared large swaths of their exclusive economic zones as Manta Ray sanctuaries, banning fishing for them. Ecuador's waters are home to one of the largest known populations of Oceanic Manta Rays.

There is a growing economic argument for protecting these gentle giants! Ecotourism is an excellent source of income, it allows for a sustainable alternative to extractive fishing. A single live Manta Ray can generate millions of dollars in tourism over its lifetime, far exceeding the one time value of gill plates.

~How to Help!~

° Establish Marine Protected Areas: These safeguards are critical habits for breeding and feeding grounds away from human activities.

°Regulating fishing practices: Implementing quota and banning targeted fishing. Instead promote sustainable fishing methods.

°Combating illegal trade: Enforcing laws against the trade in manta ray gill plates, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

° Promoting sustainable tourism: Supporting more ethical and sustainable tourism guides is essential for promoting responsible tourism. Respectful interaction can minimize negative impact.

° Raising Awareness and Educating the public!

° Conducting Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research is needed to understand manta ray populations, threats, and behavior.

[xtonb]

[bakingmakingmachine]

Fun while exploring the aquarium! 🐟 🐠