What does a CITES Appendix I Uplisting mean?
Why Manta & Devil Rays Need Urgent Protection
Slow to Reproduce. Easy to Overfish. Rapidly Declining.
Manta and devil rays grow slowly, take 10+ years to mature, and have just one pup every few years. They gather in predictable places, making them easy targets for fishing. Despite current protections, all species are threatened, and populations are still declining by over 90% in some areas.
Trade is Driving Overfishing
Gill Plates & Meat Are in High Demand.
Manta and devil rays are killed primarily for their gill plates, sold as a pseudo-traditional medicine in Asian markets, and for their meat. The international trade, much of it illegal or unreported, continues to grow and fuels unsustainable fishing, even in countries with protections in place.
Appendix I Curbs International Trade
Full Commercial Trade Ban = Better Enforcement & Real Impact.
An uplisting to CITES Appendix I bans all international commercial trade in manta and devil rays and their parts. This cuts off the biggest driver of overfishing, simplifies enforcement, and makes it easier to track and shut down illegal markets — a crucial step toward population recovery.
Our Advocates
Meet the voices behind the movement.
From passionate advocates to public figures, our growing wave of supporters is helping to power the #SaveTheMantas campaign. Will you stand with them?
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR ADVOCATES
WEAR YOUR SUPPORT
This November, governments will gather at CITES CoP20 to decide their fate. We’re calling for manta and devil rays to be uplisted to Appendix I (currently listed under Appendix II) — a move that would ban international commercial trade, help dismantle the market driving their decline, and give them a real shot at survival.
It’s a critical moment. The world must be watching.
You can be part of the movement to protect manta and devil rays. In the lead up to CITES CoP20, wear the campaign T-shirt, snap a photo, and share it on social media or via the form below. All proceeds will be used to further our CITES conservation policy work. Every image will form part of a powerful mural at CITES CoP20 — a message the world can’t ignore.
Tag your posts with #SaveTheMantas to show delegates that these rays are not just worth protecting — they’re worth fighting for.
Together, our voices can help drive the change manta and devil rays desperately need.
Show Your Support
KEY MOMENTS ON THE ROAD TO PROTECTION
1 JULY 2025
#SAVETHEMANTAS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES
The campaign officially begins! With the launch of #SaveTheMantas, we’re mobilising a global community to stand up for manta and devil rays. Through powerful visuals, public outreach, and strategic advocacy, we’re building momentum in the lead-up to CITES CoP20, where international protection for these species will be on the line.
17 SEPTEMBER 2025
WORLD MANTA DAY
This year’s World Manta Day carries the theme “The Power of Protection”. It’s a global moment to spotlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards for manta and devil rays. Expect a wave of awareness actions, campaign activations, and inspiring content as we rally voices around the world to demand lasting protection.
24 NOVEMBER - 05 DECEMBER 2025
CITES CoP20 - UZBEKISTAN
The critical decision point. During these two weeks, governments will meet at CITES CoP20 to vote on the uplisting of all manta and devil rays to Appendix I. This is our chance to help secure a global ban on the international trade of these species — a major step toward preventing extinction and ensuring their future in our oceans.
IN THE PRESS
#SAVETHEMANTAS PRESS RELEASE
A Global Push to End Trade in Endangered Rays: Conservationists Rally to #SaveTheMantas Ahead of Critical CITES Vote
July 2025
Media enquiries
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