World Manta Day | What are Manta Rays?  | Purpose of the Day | Save the Mantas |Manta Trust | The Power of Protection

World Manta Day is observed every year on September 17. The day raises awareness about manta rays, their importance in the ocean, and the urgent need to save the mantas. It also highlights the threats they face in the ocean. Because of their beauty and peaceful nature, manta rays are often called the “gentle giants of the sea.” However, the day was founded by Manta Trust. The theme for this year celebration is the power of protection.

History of World Manta Day

World Manta Day was first celebrated on September 17, 2020 by Manta Trust. However, the day was created as a global initiative to celebrate manta and devil rays. It also created to raise awareness about the threats they face and to save the mantas. Moreover, it also increases public awareness about these gentle giants. Furthermore, it promotes their conservation efforts through various campaigns and events.

The initiative came from the Manta Trust, a UK-registered charity dedicated to the global conservation of manta rays, devil rays, and their habitats. It was founded in 2011 by marine biologist Guy Stevens.

Manta Trust works with governments, NGOs, and communities to protect rays through marine protected areas, fishing regulations, and policy change. Their goal was to create a dedicated day that highlights the importance of manta rays in marine ecosystems. Since then, the day has grown into an international movement supported by NGOs, diving communities, and marine biologists.

World Manta Day Theme

The theme for World Manta Day 2025 is “The Power of Protection.” It emphasizes the urgent need for stronger safeguards for manta rays and devil rays. It calls upon individuals, governments, and organisations to act. Moreover, it focuses on science, advocacy, and law as tools to protect these ocean giants. Furthermore, it highlights the threats such as international trade, overfishing, and habitat loss.

What are Manta Rays?

Manta rays belong to the family Mobulidae and closely related to sharks and skates. They have flat bodies that are wider than long. Moreover, their large pectoral fins look like wings, while cephalic fins project forward like horns. In some species, short tails carry stinging spines.

They live in warm coastal and island waters. In addition, manta rays swim near the surface and propel themselves by flapping their fins. They also leap and somersault out of the water. While feeding, they use their cephalic fins to sweep plankton and small fish into their mouths.

The size of manta rays varies greatly. For example, Mobula diabolis of Australia grows only 60 cm across. In contrast, the giant manta (Manta birostris) reaches over 7 meters in width. Despite their size and power, mantas remain harmless. Therefore, old stories about them attacking divers are myths.

There are two main types of Manta Rays Reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi)  and Giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris).

World Manta Day | Manta Rays Characteristics | Devil Fish

Purpose of World Manta Day

The purpose of World Manta Day is to raise global awareness about manta rays and their conservation. The day educates people about the role of mantas in marine ecosystems. In addition, it highlights the threats they face, such as overfishing, bycatch, pollution, and habitat loss.

The day celebrated with a specific theme every year. Therefore, this year theme is power of protection. The power of protection theme highlights the urgent need to protect manta rays and devil rays through science, law, and community action.

The day also inspires individuals, communities, and governments to take action. Therefore, it promotes stronger protection laws, sustainable fishing, and eco-tourism. Moreover, it encourages support for research and conservation programs.

Ultimately, the purpose is simple yet powerful: protect manta rays and ensure healthy oceans for future generations.

Conservation of Manta Rays

Manta rays face serious threats from overfishing, bycatch, habitat destruction, and pollution. Therefore, conservation efforts focus on protecting them through global and local actions to save the mantas.

Scientists study manta populations to understand their migration, breeding, and feeding patterns. In addition, NGOs and governments work together to create marine protected areas and regulate fishing practices. Eco-tourism also plays an important role, since it offers communities income while encouraging them to protect mantas.

Moreover, international agreements such as CITES and CMS list manta rays, giving them legal protection from trade and exploitation. Education campaigns further raise awareness and inspire people to act.

Ultimately, conserving manta rays helps preserve ocean biodiversity. Protecting these gentle giants ensures healthier seas for future generations.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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