Devil Ray Conservation

Devil ray conservation is the body of protective measures for mobulid rays, the devil and manta rays of genus Mobula, driven by gill-plate trade demand and high vulnerability from slow reproduction. All Mobula species are listed on CITES Appendix II (mantas in 2013, the remaining devil rays at CoP17 in 2016), requiring proof that trade is sustainable, and all mobulids are on Appendices I and II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). Tuna RFMOs add no-retention rules: ICCAT, IOTC, and WCPFC bar vessels from retaining, transshipping, or landing mobulids caught as bycatch. Management centers on safe release from purse-seine and gillnet gear and on enforcing the trade controls.