MANTA RAY CONSERVATION SUSTAINING THE NATURE THAT SUSTAINS INDONESIA

FACTS ABOUT MANTA RAYS MANTA RAYS IN INDONESIA

Two manta ray species: Manta rays feed on Sangalaki, East Kalimantan Reef manta ray (Manta zooplankton (tiny animals alfredi) and the Oceanic that drift in ocean currents). Raja Ampat, West Papua manta ray (Manta birostris) Highly vulnerable as they have extremely low Nusa Penida,Bali Manta rays are the largest reproductive rates – Komodo Island,Flores rays in the world. Reef female mantas reach mantas can grow up to sexual maturity at 4.5 meters, while Oceanic 8-10 years old, and give mantas can reach a birth to only one pup Both Reef and Oceanic manta rays live in Indonesian waters. massive 8-meter wingspan. every 2-5 years. Raja Ampat is one of the only places in the world where both species of manta can be encountered Manta rays are very at the same place and time. intelligent and have the largest brain to body ratio In 2015, CI discovered South East Asia’s first manta of any fish. They are a ray nursery in Wayag Lagoon in Raja Ampat, West Papua. social, gentle, and highly curious species. Manta rays can be found throughout Indonesia, Manta rays can live up to with key populations in Sangalaki (East Kalimantan), 50 years. Nusa Penida (Bali), Komodo (Flores) and Manta rays are harmless. They do not Raja Ampat (West Papua). have a barb on their tail, and cannot sting. Manta rays seen in tourist sites Nusa Penida and Komodo migrate through Tanjung Luar (West Nusa Tenggara) and Lamakera (East Nusa Tenggara), the biggest known manta hunting areas in Indonesia.

THREATS POTENTIAL FOR TOURISM CONSERVATION

High fishing pressure due to growing Coastal communities in many countries Both species of manta are currently demand for manta ray gill plates, benefit from manta-focused tourism, listed as Vulnerable to extinction on which are used in Traditional Chinese which is estimated at over US$140 the IUCN Red List of Threatened Medicine. million per year globally. Species.

Indonesia is the second largest manta On March 14, 2013, manta rays were tourism destination in the world, included in Appendix II of the The largest manta ray fishery in the Convention on International Trade in world, located in Indonesia. generating an estimated US$15 million per year. Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), regulating the trade of this species. Low reproductive rates, long life spans, A dead manta ray is worth US$40 to the tendency to aggregate in US$500 to local fishermen, yet a living In 2014, the government of Indonesia predictable locations and the lack of manta ray can be worth up to US$1 designated the country’s 6 million fear of humans make them susceptible million to the local dive tourism industry square kilometers of waters the to being hunted. over its lifetime. world’s largest manta sanctuary.

CI monitors manta rays to understand their behavior and ecology. The resulting OUR WORK scientific data helps to inform public policy and conservation eorts.

Reef Manta Identified by unique spots in between gill slits

Oceanic Manta Identified by small cluster of spots on its belly Photo Identification Satellite Tagging Every manta ray has its own unique pattern of spots and blotches on its Satellite tags are used to monitor migration and behavior patterns. underside, like a human fingerprint. By cataloguing photos of manta rays, As of 2017, 33 manta rays have been tagged — 29 reef manta rays and scientists can develop a better understanding of local populations. 4 oceanic manta rays in the four areas of manta population: Raja Ampat, West Papua; Nusa Penida, Bali; Komodo National Park; Divers and snorkelers can help scientists with this research by taking and Sangalaki, East Kalimantan. The data obtained from these tags led photos of any manta rays they see. To find out more about contributing to the implementation of new regulations and increased enforcement and becoming a citizen scientist, visit to protect the species. http://birdsheadseascape.com/indonesian-manta-id

The manta ray conservation project is part of Conservation International (CI) Indonesia’s marine conservation program. CI Indonesia works to support and manage healthy and productive ecosystems to ensure that they can continue to provide food, fresh water, livelihoods and climate resilience. We envision a sustainable and prosperous Indonesia, where our people live in harmony with nature for the benefit of their own, and all life on Earth. For more information, please visit www.conservation.org/indonesia

TOP PHOTO: © SHAWN HEINRICHS