Manta Ray Conservation | with Simon Hilbourne - Communications Manager from the Manta Trust

·33 min·2 clips

A New Zealand study found that about half of released mobula rays died within three or four days.

1. Conservation Tribe host Blaine Edwards interviews Simon Hilbourne about manta ray conservation. 2. Simon Hilbourne is a marine biologist, ocean conservationist, underwater photographer, and Manta Trust communications professional who manages research on oceanic mantas. 3. The episode asks how fisheries, tourism, research, and consumer choices can reduce pressure on manta rays. 4. Hilbourne says manta rays were split into reef manta and oceanic manta species in 2009. 5. Reef mantas spend more time near shallow coral reefs, while oceanic mantas spend more time in pelagic waters. 6. Hilbourne says both manta species are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with declining populations. 7. He identifies targeted fishing and accidental bycatch from tropical tuna fleets as major threats. 8. Fisheries remove manta gill plates, dry them, and export them to Southern Asia for a purported medicinal product. 9. Hilbourne says old Chinese traditional medicine literature does not mention manta gill plates, describing the market as a newer industry. 10. His Fish Free February campaign with Ocean Festival UK asks people to examine seafood consumption and industrial fishing. 11. Hilbourne says bottom trawling damages seafloor ecosystems while targeting commercially valuable fish and shrimp. 12. He argues that seafood mislabeling can conceal vulnerable species and unsustainable fishing methods from consumers. 13. Simon says scientists do not know the global number, migration routes, or reproduction areas of many mantas and mobulas. 14. He says catch records often group manta, mobula, eagle, and stingrays under the broad label ray. 15. A New Zealand study he cites found about half of seven or eight released mobula rays died within three or four days. 16. Hilbourne supports large marine protected areas with enforcement and monitoring, rather than nominal protections without compliance. 17. Blaine Edwards and Simon Hilbourne use a conversational interview format with examples from the Maldives and Komodo National Park. 18. The discussion combines fisheries policy, marine research, ethical tourism, social media, and practical consumer action. 19. Best for listeners interested in manta rays and ocean conservation. 20. May not suit listeners seeking wildlife entertainment without fisheries policy.

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