Why Manta Rays Could Vanish Forever — And What We Must Do Now

Mozambique’s manta rays are disappearing. Over two decades of research reveal a devastating truth: sightings along the coastline have dropped by up to 99%. Marine ecologist Nakia Kallain has spent the last 10 years studying manta rays in Zavora — documenting their movements, uncovering their critical habitats, and witnessing their dramatic decline firsthand. What she’s seeing now is terrifying: one of the last large, viable manta aggregations may be slipping away. From industrial fishing to unregulated bycatch, manta rays face threats far beyond national waters. That’s why international policy matters — and why CITES 2025 could be a turning point. Later this year, governments will vote on whether manta and devil rays receive Appendix I protection, a move that would ban international commercial trade and give these species a chance to recover. ​ ⁨@PADIAWARE Foundation will be at CITES, representing the global dive community — but we need public support to push governments to act. 👉 Sign the petition to demand Appendix I protections: https://www.padi.com/aware/sharks Together, we can fight for a future where manta rays still glide through Mozambique’s waters. Read more on this topic here: https://blog.padi.com/mantas-of-mozambique/ Connect with the Marine Megafauna Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/marinemegafauna/ #SaveTheOcean #CITES