The Majestic Manta Rays Of Thailand
Gliding through the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, the giant oceanic manta ray is a real sight. The manta rays of Thailand are beautiful creatures that inhabit the seas around Thailand, and are the largest rays in the world. Their wingspans have been known to reach an incredible 7m across. However, their size is only one of the many fascinating aspects of these gentle giants.
6 Incredible Things You Didn’t Know About The Manta Rays Of Thailand
The manta rays that can be seen in the sea space of Thailand are the giant oceanic manta ray. They are actually the largest rays in the world; their wingspans reach across up to 7 meters, or 23 feet-across, which is almost as wide as a bus.
- They are intelligent and very curious about divers and snorkelers, swimming right up to investigate; a truly incredible encounter underwater.
- Despite their gigantic size, these are the planktonic feeders. They open their wide mouths and filter microscopic plankton from the sea. The gill plates act specially for this purpose. A single manta consumes up to 40 pounds of plankton per day.
- Manta rays are extremely migratory, crossing open ocean for hundreds of miles. However, they can also be congregated seasonally at certain locations.
Although Mantas can been seen in many places in Thailand, the real known hotspots are at Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock to the northern Andaman, and Hin Daeng/Muang to the south.
Both species of manta ray, the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula birostris) and the Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) are listed as vulnerable by many environmental agencies. They are threatened by many different factors such as overfishing, and entanglement in fishing gear to name just two. Thailand has enacted protection measures for these epic creatures, but their numbers continue to decrease throughout the world.
Both species of manta ray, the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray (Mobula birostris) and the Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) are listed as vulnerable by many environmental agencies. They are threatened by many different factors such as overfishing, and entanglement in fishing gear to name just two. Thailand has enacted protection measures for these epic creatures, but their numbers continue to decrease throughout the world.
- Manta Rays’ unique body shape facilitates it to swim in a streamlined motion and navigate through water comfortably. Their expansive wings and flexible bodies allow them to turn abruptly and change directions with incredible speed.
The Need for Conservation
Manta rays play an important role in maintaining healthy oceans. In addition, manta rays serve as a good indicator species; changes in the populations of rays are indicative of wider environmental issues.
How You Can Help
If you would like to learn more about what you can do to aid in manta ray conservation while in Thailand, there are a few ways you can start: Choose Responsible Tour Operators: Whenever you book a dive or snorkeling trip, make sure to choose the responsible operator who usually abides by sustainable and responsible tourism principles. Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations working towards manta ray conservation, such as the Manta Trust.
Here at The Junk Liveaboards we have run exclusive itineraries with both the Manta Trust, and also Oceans for All in the past. All expeditions’ aims being to help raise awareness about environmental concerns.
Spread Awareness: Share your experience and knowledge about manta rays among people and try to influence your friends and family to help in the conservation effort Reduce Your Impact: Start making conscious choices that would reduce impacts on the environment in everyday life, like reducing plastic uses and sustainable seafood practices.
Best itinerary for the possibility of Manta spotting –
