A giant reef manta ray feeds just centimetres in front of my lens in the Pacific Ocean. Mantas have the largest brain of all fish and are generally curious, friendly and playful animals. Despite their size, they feed on tiny plankton and are absolutely harmless.
Mantas are particularly threatened by overfishing; whether intentionally (mostly for their gill plates) or unintentionally (as bycatch on longlines or in nets). They are considered ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
But there is also good news: sustainable ecotourism operations create an incentive to keep mantas alive and spark fascination in tourists swimming with these incredible animals. Coupled with large marine protected areas and consequent enforcement of fishing regulations, we can make sure that mantas continue to roam our oceans.
4000 x 2667 px
Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi)
Photographed in the Pacific Ocean, Fiji
