EARTH RAISE 2026 LAUNCHES

From 22–29 April 2026, the Manta Trust is calling on the global ocean community to take part in Earth Raise, a match-funding campaign that doubles the impact of every donation to support urgent marine conservation.

At a time when environmental pressures are intensifying and traditional funding sources are under strain; Earth Raise offers a powerful opportunity to directly support frontline conservation. For one week only, donations made through the campaign will be matched, meaning every contribution goes twice as far in protecting manta and devil rays and the ecosystems they depend on.

Why This Matters Now

For divers and ocean enthusiasts, encounters with manta rays are often unforgettable moments of calm, curiosity, and connection in the water. Yet globally, manta and devil ray populations are in decline.

These species are particularly vulnerable: they grow slowly, mature late, and produce very few offspring. This means populations cannot quickly recover from pressures such as bycatch, targeted fishing, habitat degradation, and pollution.

Although international protections have strengthened in recent years - including the uplisting of all manta and devil ray species to Appendix I under CITES - significant gaps remain between policy and real-world enforcement. Limited resources, inconsistent monitoring, and uneven compliance mean that protections on paper do not always translate into protection in the ocean.

“Global agreements are a vital step forward, but they are only effective if they are implemented,” says Dr. Guy Stevens, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of the Manta Trust. “That’s where organisations like ours play a crucial role - bridging the gap between policy and action, and ensuring these animals are protected in reality, not just in principle.”

The Role of Public Support

Non-governmental organisations are at the heart of conservation delivery, working across scientific research, policy support, community engagement, and education. However, global aid cuts, reduced grant availability, and rising operational costs are placing increasing pressure on their ability to sustain this work.

Campaigns like Earth Raise allow the public, and the global dive community, to step in at a critical moment: directly funding research, strengthening protections, and supporting communities to reduce pressure on marine ecosystems.

Public support has long been the foundation of the Manta Trust’s work, enabling ongoing monitoring of manta populations, implementation of conservation measures, and collaboration with local communities around the world.

More Than a Species: Protecting Intelligent Ocean Life

Manta rays are not only ecologically important - they are also among the most intelligent fish in the ocean. With the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish, they display curiosity, social behaviours, and what many divers recognise as distinct personalities during encounters.

Each manta is identifiable by its unique spot pattern, reinforcing that conservation is not just about protecting a species, but safeguarding individual, sentient animals.

A Critical Window for Action

With increasing pressure on marine ecosystems and growing financial uncertainty for conservation initiatives, the need for support has never been greater.

Match-funding campaigns like Earth Raise create a rare and time-sensitive opportunity to maximise impact - turning individual contributions into meaningful, measurable change.

From 22–29 April 2026, every donation will be doubled - helping to fund vital research, strengthen enforcement of protections, and ensure a future for manta and devil rays.

How to Get Involved

Supporters can donate and double their impact during the campaign week via this link.

“Every action taken during Earth Raise has the power to create lasting change,” adds Dr. Stevens. “By coming together, we can ensure these extraordinary animals, and the ecosystems they support, are protected for generations to come.”

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Contact: Jasmine Corbett
Manta Trust Media and Communications Manager
Email: jasmine.corbett@mantatrust.org

Press Release Credits

Written by: Jasmine Corbett
Images: Photographer’s credit below images – ensure that credit is given if images are used

About the Manta Trust

The Manta Trust is a UK-registered marine conservation charity dedicated to the research and protection of manta and devil rays and their habitats. Through research, education, and collaboration, the Manta Trust works to ensure a sustainable future for these extraordinary creatures.