COP10 Outcome: Migratory Manta Ray under CMS Protection

Bonn, 13 January 2012 - Following the proposal of Ecuador the Giant Manta Ray (Manta birostris) was listed on CMS Appendices I and II at COP10 (20-25 November 2011). As a result, harvesting of this giant filter feeder with wingspans of up to 6.5m is now no longer permitted internationally. Exceptions include traditional subsistence users. Since 2011 this highly migratory ray has been listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List due to growing exploitation both directly for gill-rakers and other body parts and indirectly as bycatch. Illegal trade in manta parts to Asiatic markets is a concern. Similar to other Elasmobranchs, mantas have a low reproductive rate, which makes them particularly vulnerable to overexploitation. It is suspected that Giant Manta Rays have declined by as much as 80% in some regions over the last three generations (approximately 75 years) and by more than a third globally.

Only recently has the circumglobal Giant Manta Ray been identified as a separate species. There are now considered to be two species within the Manta genus: Manta birostris and Manta alfredi, the latter of which does not migrate. Giant Manta Rays occur in subtropical and tropical regions, mostly in the open ocean, but also in coastal regions where they have become a major attraction for diving tourists. Giant Manta Rays are capable of huge migrations; recent tagging has shown one individual swimming approximately 1,100 km. Mantas are filter feeders and at times come together in large aggregations to feed or reproduce. However much of their life history remains a mystery and it is not known how many there are globally. CMS Parties are encouraged to fill these gaps in knowledge urgently in order to understand how the species can be conserved most effectively.

Giant Manta Rays tend to return to the same places, such as cleaning stations, thus the identification and protection of these critical sites is a key priority. An international management plan is needed to coordinate the management of this migratory species which is not only at home in coastal waters, but also in the High Seas, which are outside of national jurisdiction.

For further information, see the listing proposal from COP10 (click here).