Did you know that manta and mobula rays can leap out of the water up to 9 feet into the air?
Most people seem to think it's an impulse to remove parasites, although there are theories that males use the leaps as an effort to attract females or to alert others to the presence of predators. It's a rare sight to document, as rays are migratory and often move across vast areas of ocean. Their graceful movements underwater translate well in the open air, where they flap their fins in a manner reminiscent of flight.
Unfortunately for these animals, their species has been listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. They are being overfished for their gill rakers, the membranes in their gills that filter the plankton they feed on. There are dubious claims in traditional forms of Chinese medicine that they strengthen the immune system, can assist in the resolution of kidney problems, and are touted as a general cure-all (much like the shark fin). There is a widespread belief that migratory ocean animals do not get cancer and diseases like humans do, so consuming their meat should be good for you. Unfortunately, most large oceanic animals are no longer safe for consumption at all, as the levels of mercury and chemical by-products in these animals has steadily increased in the last several years.
Don't succumb to an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality; just as you may never have known that these manta and mobula rays can leap out of the water, you might not have known until now that they are in danger of extinction due to irresponsible fishing practices.
Go to Project AWARE's website to learn what action is being taken to save these animals, from legislation to island community organizing and the creation of marine sanctuaries. And take action yourself! Don't be silent in your opposition to unsustainable fishing practices. Raise awareness, sign reputable petitions such as the petition through Project AWARE, and learn more about the successes of these measures and how they benefit the animals.
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| http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1298362/Flying-giants |
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| A photo by one of the best underwater photographers, Brian Skerry |
Unfortunately for these animals, their species has been listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. They are being overfished for their gill rakers, the membranes in their gills that filter the plankton they feed on. There are dubious claims in traditional forms of Chinese medicine that they strengthen the immune system, can assist in the resolution of kidney problems, and are touted as a general cure-all (much like the shark fin). There is a widespread belief that migratory ocean animals do not get cancer and diseases like humans do, so consuming their meat should be good for you. Unfortunately, most large oceanic animals are no longer safe for consumption at all, as the levels of mercury and chemical by-products in these animals has steadily increased in the last several years.
Don't succumb to an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality; just as you may never have known that these manta and mobula rays can leap out of the water, you might not have known until now that they are in danger of extinction due to irresponsible fishing practices.
Go to Project AWARE's website to learn what action is being taken to save these animals, from legislation to island community organizing and the creation of marine sanctuaries. And take action yourself! Don't be silent in your opposition to unsustainable fishing practices. Raise awareness, sign reputable petitions such as the petition through Project AWARE, and learn more about the successes of these measures and how they benefit the animals.
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