Today is World Manta Day.
In conservation, economic valuation is increasingly recognized as a potent tool to incentivize species protection. Manta rays exemplify how their worth, alive, far surpasses the value placed on their body parts in global fisheries. Both the reef manta (Manta alfredi) and the giant manta (Manta birostris) face significant threats, particularly from unsustainable fishing. Yet, the economic value of living manta rays greatly exceeds the returns from their exploitation.
Research highlights the scale of manta ray tourism, a thriving industry driven by the predictable and charismatic nature of these animals. In over 23 countries, manta ray watching generates considerable revenue. A single manta ray can generate up to $1 million annually from tourism in some locations. Indonesia, for example, saw around $15 million a year in the early 2010s from tourists eager to snorkel and dive with these gentle giants; the sector has expanded significantly since then. By contrast, the country’s manta fisheries brought in just $442,000 per year—a sharp disparity that highlights the financial benefit of protecting these creatures.
A 2013 study led by Mary O’Malley estimated that manta ray tourism generates $73 million annually in direct revenue globally and $140 million when associated spending is included. This sector is especially important in small island economies where manta rays are a significant tourist attraction. Countries like the Maldives, Mozambique, and Palau, where manta fisheries overlap with tourism, risk substantial losses if overfishing continues.
Manta rays, like many large marine species, are slow to mature and have low reproductive rates, making them vulnerable to overexploitation. Once populations are depleted, recovery is slow. These biological traits, combined with increasing international awareness, have led to their protection under treaties like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
The economic argument for manta ray conservation is clear: a live manta, drawing tourists, is far more valuable than a dead one. This reality offers nations the chance to preserve their natural heritage while benefiting from sustainable/responsible tourism.
🔬 O’Malley MP, Lee-Brooks K, Medd HB (2013) The Global Economic Impact of Manta Ray Watching Tourism. PLoS ONE 8(5): e65051.
