Manta and mobula rays are ecotourism gold, but fishing to feed the traditional Chinese medicine trade is threatening both groups, according to a new published jointly by conservation organisations and . °ä´Ç±ô¾±²ÔÌýµþ²¹°ù°ù²¹²õ
Million-dollar ray
Local communities can earn $1 million in ecotourism revenues from a single ray over its lifetime. Yet these giants, which can grow to over 7 metres, are disappearing under extreme fishing pressure.
(Image: Manta Ray of Hope/Shark Savers/WildAid)
Gill fishing
The rays are caught for their gills, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance blood circulation and remove toxins. The trade is valued at $11 million annually – around one-tenth of the value of the manta and mobula ray tourism trade.
(Image: Manta Ray of Hope/Shark Savers/WildAid)
Not a picture of health
Despite the multimillion dollar annual trade, the report states that even some traditional Chinese medicine practitioners say the gills are not a legitimate component of their medicines. Others admitted that gills are not effective and many alternatives are available.
(Image: Manta Ray of Hope/Shark Savers/WildAid)
Protect the rays
Listing the many species of mobula ray and the two species of manta ray under the would be the most effective conservation tool, according to the report. The US CITES delegation considered proposing that all mobulid species be listed on CITES appendix II – for species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so as a result of trade. However, the delegation did not submit the proposal because it had too little information on fisheries and trade.
(Image: Manta Ray of Hope/Shark Savers/WildAid)
Rays of hope?
The two species of manta ray now have some protection, at least. Both were added to the , listed as “vulnerable”. The report says that the species also gained in the same month.
(Image: Manta Ray of Hope/Shark Savers/WildAid)
