Directed by Martin Ureta Animation by José Campos STORY It took millions of years for Mantas to evolve. In 75 years, mankind depleted over 50% of Mantas population globally. Mantas are about to be extinct. Revenue from a dead Manta (fishery): $ 150 Revenue from a living Manta (tourism): $ 1 million Wake up world! Mantas need global protection! ABOUT MANTA RAYS They’re easy targets. Moving slowly through the ocean, often in predictable aggregations – these gentle, filter-feeding giants and their smaller cousins the devil rays - are being fished at an alarming rate. International trade in gill rakers – the tight-knit, feathery structures these filter feeders use to strain plankton – is driven by Asian markets for Chinese medicine and poses an immediate threat to their survival. Catch of mantas reported to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has almost quadrupled in seven years. Mantas have been classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are at particular risk to overfishing because they produce very few young. Many populations have already been depleted by unregulated fishing. Although legally protected in some nations and specific aggregation areas, these gentle giants migrate to unprotected waters of other countries and the high seas. DOLLARS AND SENSE Like sharks, mantas are at the top of diver’s must-see list. Operations that offer manta diving and swimming programs are increasingly profitable and bring significant economic benefits to coastal communities across the globe. The Manta Ray of Hope project estimates the worldwide value of manta-based tourism and filming at $100 million USD per year. With gill rakers fetching a one-time payout of $250 per kilogram for a pseudo-medicinal product, is it really worth the destruction? STOP THE MADNESS Project AWARE and their partners succeeded in helping to protect mantas under the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in 2011 and CITES – the world’s largest, most effective wildlife conservation agreement in 2013. Make a donation today to ensure that Project AWARE continues critical work to protect mantas and their close relatives the devil rays through: Implemented International Agreements: Currently, only the giant manta ray is protected under the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS). Local and national protections must complement existing and much needed future regional and international agreements essential to effectively protecting all of these wanderers. Enforced International Trade Controls: International trade controls under CITES for manta rays must be implemented and enforced to ensure trade doesn’t threaten the survival of the species. Devil rays threatened by international trade should be considered for listing under CITES. Drop In Demand: Reduced demand for gill rakers and other manta and devil ray products. HOW TO PROTECT MANTAS? Visit Project Aware: www.projectaware.org ABOUT THE FILM This video is an animation using only photos. All shots taken by Martin Ureta in two locations: Hawaii and Maldives. The animation was made with After Effects by José Campos. If you'd like you can download "Manta Rays at Risk" in 4k resolution from the download link. Please feel free to share, send us your comments, suggestions, or feedback! And don't forget to give us credit. CREDITS: Directed by Martin Ureta - www.cameraman.com Animation by José Campos - www.owlbrainwave.wordpress.com Produced by WildlifePhotography.com - www.wildlifephotography.com ABOUT WILDLIFEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM WildlifePhotography.com was established in 2014 with the goal of enlisting the skills and expertise of wildlife photographers and filmmakers to advance conservation efforts around the planet. WildlifePhotography.com aims to raise awareness about endangered species and environmental issues through film and photography. ©2014 Wildlifephotography.com