Protecting giant manta rays
- By Richard Branson -
- Oct 18, 2012
The OceanElders are trying to get every country in the world to ban the wholesale slaughter of giant manta rays. They are being killed for their gills, which are used to make traditional Chinese medicines.
We have written to several of the countries where manta rays are most at risk, asking them to protect these beautiful creatures. Giant manta rays are now being slaughtered for their gills in almost as large numbers as sharks are for their fins.
Like sharks, manta rays are in real danger of disappearing in many parts of the world due to this pointless slaughter. Having seen them up close, it would be a real shame for us all to lose such gentle, beautiful animals.
In 2011, giant manta rays were declared as ’vulnerable with an elevated risk of extinction’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, the threat persists.
We are hoping for the first bit of good news on this campaign next week. Wouldn't it be wonderful if nations could protect one of the creatures that help make our oceans so magnificent?
Image by SteveD on Flickr
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
