The Manta Trust has launched a week-long match-funding campaign aimed at supporting research and conservation of manta and devil rays.
Running from 22–29 April 2026, the ‘Earth Raise’ initiative will double all donations made during the campaign period.
The campaign comes at a time of increasing pressure on marine ecosystems and reduced availability of traditional conservation funding. Funds raised will support research, conservation measures and community initiatives linked to manta and devil ray protection.
Manta rays have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish and display complex behaviours, including social interactions, but manta and devil ray populations are in global decline.
Like other species of cartilaginous fish such as sharks, mobulids are particularly vulnerable due to their slow growth, late maturity and low reproductive rates, limiting their ability to recover from pressures such as bycatch, targeted fishing, habitat degradation and pollution.
All manta and devil ray species are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), although gaps remain between policy and enforcement, with limited resources, inconsistent monitoring and uneven compliance affecting protection in practice.
‘Global agreements are a vital step forward, but they are only effective if they are implemented,’ said Dr Guy Stevens, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of the Manta Trust. ‘That’s where organisations like ours play a crucial role – bridging the gap between policy and action, and ensuring these animals are protected in reality, not just in principle.’
Non-governmental organisations play a central role in conservation delivery across scientific research, policy support, community engagement and education, but are facing increased pressure from reduced funding and rising operational costs.
Public support underpins ongoing monitoring of manta populations, implementation of conservation measures and collaboration with local communities.
‘Every action taken during Earth Raise has the power to create lasting change,’ added Dr Stevens. ‘By coming together, we can ensure these extraordinary animals, and the ecosystems they support, are protected for generations to come.’
Supporters can donate during the campaign week on the Earth Raise Big Give campaign page
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