World Manta Day: Celebrating mantas and safeguarding their future

Today, we join the global community in celebrating World Manta Day, a special day to admire the beauty of manta rays and to raise awareness about the threats they face. 

This year’s theme, The Power of Protection, reminds us that as pressures on mantas increase, from overfishing and climate change to international trade, we must urgently strengthen conservation measures to ensure their survival. 

Getting to know the oceanic manta ray 

The oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a large and graceful creature distributed in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. These gentle giants can travel thousands of kilometers to feed and reproduce, and can also form large aggregations at specific sites. They have low fecundity because females give birth to only one pup every 4-5 years, resulting in their populations growing very slowly. 

Currently, manta rays are classified as Endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. They face threats from targeted and incidental fishing, with their gill plates fetching high prices in international markets. Boat strikes and habitat degradation add even more pressure. Protecting mantas requires understanding their movements, behaviors, and habitats, and ensuring they are safe across their migratory routes.

A life dedicated to mantas

One of the pioneers in manta ray research is Dr. Robert Rubin, director of the Pacific Manta Research Group (https://pacificmantaresearchgroup.org/) and MigraMar member. He has studied mantas since the 1970s, becoming one of the first scientists to dedicate his career to these animals. 

Dr.Rubin recalls his first encounter along the Great Wall of Isla las Ánimas in the Gulf of California, Mexico: “Magical and magnificent! I realized that myself and the literature knew very little about this species. The animal’s charismatic beauty and grace were stunning, and I felt compelled to learn about these incredible creatures.” 

At that time, mantas were almost unknown to science. In fact, he recalls that only he and one other person in the world owned a scientific book about manta rays. 

Having spent hours diving along mantas, Dr. Rubin made a groundbreaking observation: each manta had a unique ventral pattern, like a fingerprint in humans. This discovery launched the use of photo-identification in manta research. 

Today, the Pacific Manta Research Group has catalogued over 300,000 photos of manta rays and identified a known population of about 600 individuals in the Mexican Pacific, 280 miles south of the tip of the Baja California peninsula, an incredible contribution to science and conservation. 

Lessons from mantas 

Over decades of diving with mantas, Dr. Rubin has witnessed their intelligence and curiosity: “Mantas were very curious and seemed to be friendly.” He has learned to “Approach with grace, be very patient around them, and make close eye contact, which they would return”. 

Nowadays, it is important to keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing these gentle giants. But Dr. Rubin’s insights remind us that mantas are highly intelligent creatures that respond to human presence in remarkable ways (Don't miss his TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3au14Fk8N4).

A call to protect mantas 

On this World Manta Day, we at MigraMar celebrate Dr. Rubin’s pioneering work, which has inspired generations of scientists and ocean lovers alike. His passion reminds us of the wonder of mantas and the responsibility we share in protecting them. By raising awareness, supporting science, and advocating for efficient protection, we can ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.