Manta Rays – Gentle Giants of the Andaman Sea – Uplisted to the highest level of Protection
Manta Rays – Gentle Giants of the Andaman Sea – Uplisted to the highest level of Protection
Today Friday November 28, 2025, a decision was made by CITES to uplist all Manta Rays and Devil Rays to the highest level of protection. Meaning that all international commercial trade of Manta and Devil Rays is now illegal.
Friday November 28, 2025, A Day to Celebrate – and a Sad Day Too
At Lanta Diver, we think their new protected status is a day to celebrate. It means the world is finally recognising the importance and fragility of these magnificent animals, and that concrete steps are being taken to secure their future.
At the same time, it is also a sad day. The fact that manta rays need to be protected at all is a clear sign of how much damage has already been done to our oceans. These gentle, intelligent animals should never have been pushed so close to the edge. Their new status is both a victory and a warning.
Manta Rays – Gentle Giants of the Andaman Sea
Manta rays are among the most captivating creatures we encounter in the Andaman Sea, and anyone who has seen one glide past underwater knows how unforgettable the experience can be. These gentle giants often seem to fly through the water, curious and peaceful, leaving a lasting impression on divers who are lucky enough to meet them.
Fascinating Facts About Manta Rays
There are many fascinating things about manta rays. For example, they have the largest brain of any fish, which helps explain their curious nature and social intelligence. Two species are commonly known: the Reef Manta Ray, which prefers coastal reefs and cleaning stations, and the larger Oceanic Manta Ray, which spends much of its time in deeper, open waters.
Mantas can grow to enormous sizes, with wingspans reaching up to seven meters, yet they remain harmless filter feeders, feeding mainly on plankton and tiny fish. Each manta ray carries a unique pattern of spots on its belly, essentially acting like a fingerprint. Researchers use these markings to identify individuals, meaning some mantas have been followed and studied for decades.
Another surprising fact is that manta rays can leap out of the water, sometimes soaring completely above the surface. The reasons are still debated, but many scientists believe these jumps are linked to mating or communication. Despite their size, manta rays reproduce very slowly, often giving birth to just one pup every few years. They can live for over forty years, maybe even longer, which makes them both resilient and vulnerable at the same time.
Why Manta Rays Are Uplisted and Protected
Unfortunately, manta rays face serious threats. In recent years they have been uplisted and granted increased international protection under organisations such as CITES and the IUCN Red List. Both known species are now classified as Vulnerable, with some populations considered even more at risk.
One of the biggest reasons for their decline is targeted fishing, especially the trade in manta gill plates used in certain traditional medicines, despite there being no scientific evidence of any health benefit. Mantas also suffer from accidental capture in large-scale fisheries, habitat degradation, coral reef decline and pollution. Because they reproduce so slowly, even small increases in mortality can impact populations for decades.
Spotting Manta Rays Around Koh Lanta
With proper protection, we hope manta populations will recover so future generations of divers can continue to enjoy these gentle giants in the wild. While sightings are never guaranteed, dive sites such as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are known for occasional manta visits during the right season.
If you are diving around Koh Lanta at the right time of year, there is always the chance you might be lucky enough to see one cruising by – an encounter you will never forget.
Dive with Lanta Diver
Join Lanta Diver for your next adventure in the Andaman Sea. Whether you are a new diver or highly experienced, our team will guide you safely and responsibly, always with respect for the marine life we love so much – including the incredible manta rays of Koh Lanta.
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Contact us today to check availability, manta season information and our latest dive trips.
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Scuba diving in Koh Lanta is more than just a sport – it’s an adventure into Thailand’s rich marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Whether you’re here for a single day trip or a full liveaboard-style diving holiday, Koh Lanta will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Have questions or want to book your diving trip? Contact Lanta Diver today and let’s plan your perfect Try scuba diving with Lanta Diver, Koh Lanta, Thailand.
