Scientists rush to save manta rays, the ‘pandas of the ocean’

By Adrienne Mong
24 November 2012 RAJA AMPAT, Indonesia (NBC News) – They’ve been described by one scientist as “pandas of the ocean.” “They’re such an iconic species, beloved by divers,” said Andrea Marshall, director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, who came up with the description during an interview with NBC News. “They’re just amazing.” Unlikely as it might seem, the panda and the manta ray have a lot in common. Just as scientists still haven’t been able to confirm the number of pandas in the wild, they also have no idea how many manta rays exist. “Globally we don’t know how many manta rays there are,” said Guy Stevens, director of the U.K.-based Manta Trust, whose research is largely based around manta populations in the Maldives. But – again, like the panda – scientists think it’s a small population. “If they’re lucky, (manta rays) have two pups (over several years). That’s a very low reproductive rate, especially compared to your average fish,” said Dr. Heidi Dewar, a biologist at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, part of NOAA. Anecdotal evidence suggests mantas are under threat, and China may be a major reason for it. Manta rays are vulnerable on two fronts: as bycatch – getting caught in industrial fishing nets targeting different types of tuna – and, increasingly, because of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM. Manta rays are harvested for their gill rakers, which allow the fish to filter food from water. Some Chinese believe they have healing properties or are good at cleaning out toxins. One Chinese-language website claims gill rakers enhance the immune system, promote blood circulation and aid in the treatment of cancer, skin disease and infertility. “It’s just cartilage,” said Dewar, echoing skepticism expressed by many scientists. […]