As charismatic megafauna, manta rays act as a flagship species, helping to promote and engage the general public in the wider message of marine ecosystem conservation.

Through this top down approach to conservation the manta ray becomes the catalyst for change, engaging and motivating the general public, governments and local communities alike.

A UK Registered Charity, the Trust brings together a number of projects from around the globe, both new and long-standing, including the Republic of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Indonesia.

[2] In October 2016, the Manta Trust played a key role in a proposal for listing mobula rays on Appendix II of CITES.

[3] Being listed on Appendix II means countries must prove that the trade in mobula gill plates is sustainable and not detrimental to the survival of the species.