Could Mobula Rays Face Extinction?

Despite being protected under CITES Appendix II and CMS Appendix I, species in the Mobula ray family (manta rays and devil rays) are at risk of extinction due to overexploitation.

A study recently published in Environmental Biology of Fishes reports that Mobula rays are being caught at alarming rates across 43 countries. Their meat is consumed in at least 35 countries, and their gill plates are exported from 14 nations, primarily in Africa and Asia.

Devil ray – a species of the Mobula ray family that is in danger of extinction due to overexploitation. (Photo: unsplash.com)

In the past, Mobula rays were mainly caught for domestic consumption, primarily for their meat, which was used fresh or dried. However, in recent decades, international demand for their gill plates has surged, especially in China and Hong Kong. Mobula ray gill plates are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, with claimed benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, detoxification, and improved blood circulation. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Currently, the price of Mobula ray gill plates can reach up to $1,260 USD per kilogram.

Studies have also revealed that Mobula ray meat and gill plates contain heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury at levels exceeding safety thresholds, posing risks of cancer and other health issues to humans. Although conservation campaigns have reduced the trade of gill plates in Guangzhou, China, over the past decade, online retail activity has grown significantly.

After analyzing the impact of different countries on Mobula rays, researchers identified 14 countries as “high priority” for conservation efforts, ranked in descending order: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Senegal, Republic of Congo, United Arab Emirates, Peru, China, Philippines, Ghana, Thailand, and Gabon. Additionally, 26 countries, including Vietnam, were classified as “medium priority,” while 36 other nations were categorized as “low priority.”

Despite nearly a decade of international protection measures, enforcement and monitoring remain challenging due to several factors:

• Insufficient monitoring at ports, islands, or unofficial landing sites in some countries.
• Mislabeling or the use of generic terms to sell Mobula ray meat, particularly in dried form, complicating traceability in domestic and international markets.
• Only 9 out of 43 countries fishing for Mobula rays report their catch data to the FAO, reducing the effectiveness of management measures.

To address these challenges, researchers propose the following measures:

1. Inclusion in CITES Appendix I: Ban all international commercial trade of Mobula ray products.
2. Enhanced Monitoring and Enforcement: Ensure protective measures are effectively implemented in CITES and CMS member countries.
3. Improved Data Reporting and Research: Countries must report comprehensive and transparent catch data to support more effective management and conservation.
4. Strengthened International Collaboration: Foster cooperation between countries and international organizations to ensure sustainable conservation efforts.

Mobula rays are a vital part of marine ecosystems, and their survival depends on immediate and decisive action. Enhanced international cooperation, stricter enforcement of protective measures, and greater public awareness are key to preventing the extinction of these majestic marine species.