Save the Mantas - World's Largest

Winged Creatures
MANTAS BEING HUNTED FOR THEIR GILLS
In Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Japan and the
Philippines mass fisheries seriously threaten manta and
mobula ray populations. New demand from Asia for dried
gill rakers used in traditional medicines has dramatically
increased the Indonesian fisheries, threatening the local
populations. The gills are used interchangeably in
Chinese medicine and according to Chinese
practitioners, gill rakers help to clear away heat and toxic
material from the body and aid blood circulation. On the
street in Southern China prices vary according to size and manta gills can sell for $100.00 USD per
pound.

Paul Hilton is a photojournalist working on manta and mobula ray research in China, He is collecting
gill raker samples for DNA testing that are used in
Chinese medicine. You can follow his work from his
website: Paul Hilton Photography [email]

MATAVA NEWEST MANTA AFFILIATE

Stuart Gow of Matava Fijis Premier Eco Adventure
Resort is now one of our Manta Affiliates. Their resort is
host to several manta dive sites including Manta Reef
(Manta Alley). As they are on the south side of Kadavu
on the Great Astrolabe Reef they have direct daily
access to the manta sites.
Matava Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

MANTA CLEANING STATION RESEARCH

We are seeking sponsors to help fund the deployment of
underwater IP cameras at manta cleaning stations
around the world. The MantaCam is manufactured by
Ocean Presence Technologies and allows for research
into manta behavior. This live camera can be controlled
by researchers from anywhere in the world and will make
possible live educational events over the Internet. If you would like to help sponsor this important
conservation work, please contact: Robert Aston.

Research Sponsors Sought

Sign up now to learn more about 2015 Manta Expeditions
For information on underwater IP cameras visit: www.OceanPresence.com

If you would like to receive our Newsletter or contribute to the Manta Resource
Guide, please register as a member (above).

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