World Manta Day 2025: Protection Secures Manta Populations for the Future

This special day was created to honor manta rays and raise awareness about the threats these magnificent, mysterious ocean giants face.

Founded in 2011, Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity that coordinates global conservation efforts for manta and devil rays. Its mission is to ensure a sustainable future for the ocean, one where manta rays and related species thrive in diverse and healthy marine ecosystems.

To achieve this, the organization conducts long-term scientific research that provides a strong foundation for governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions on marine conservation.

Some time ago, Aruba’s Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) reached out to Mrs. Nicole Pelletier of the Caribbean Islands Manta Conservation Program,a Manta Trust initiative based in Bonaire, for photos to support the public awareness program Know Our Fauna.

Through this collaboration, DNM published information on manta species, specifically Mobula birostris (the Oceanic Manta Ray). Mrs. Pelletier confirmed that Aruban waters are home to several mobula species, including Mobula birostris (Oceanic Manta Ray), Mobula yarai (Atlantic Manta Ray), and Mobula tarapacana.

The theme of World Manta Day 2025 is “The Power of Protection.” It is a call for communities to come together to safeguard mantas and their habitats from overfishing and environmental destruction. Every action matters—from supporting protective legislation to sharing inspiring stories that encourage change. Together, we can secure the long-term survival of these marine giants.

Why protection matters
Despite global protections under CITES Appendix II, manta populations continue to decline. The greatest threats are overfishing for their gill plates, which are used in traditional medicines, and for direct consumption. Because mantas reproduce very slowly, even limited overfishing has devastating effects, leaving populations highly vulnerable.

DNM thanks Manta Trust for its continuous efforts to raise awareness, share information, and provide images of manta species protected under Aruba’s local legislation. Special thanks also go to photographer Mrs. Susan Hieter of JADS Dive Center in Sero Colorado for her contributions.

The #SaveTheMantas campaign invites everyone to join the global movement. You can share manta photos on your social media channels—available on the platforms of both Manta Trust and DNM—using the hashtag #SaveTheMantas. All contributions will be compiled into a mural at the upcoming CITES CoP20 conference, showcasing worldwide support for manta conservation.

World Manta Day is a moment to unite, share the story of these gentle giants, and take action to make a lasting difference.