The Australian Government took steps to protect manta rays under national environment law on October 20, 2012.

Under this new legislation, the oceanic manta will be listed as a migratory species, making it illegal to take, trade, keep or move the species from Commonwealth waters. Like other protected species, including dugongs and whale sharks, fishers will now have to report any interactions with oceanic manta rays.

“The giant manta ray is a highly migratory species – with some being known to travel more than 1000 kilometers – and threats often arise outside of protected areas,” Australia’s Environment Minister, Tony Burke, explained.

“For this reason, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species and our national environment law are an excellent way to achieve international co-operation and co-ordination to better protect the species.”

At this stage, the legislation only applies to the oceanic manta, Manta birostris. This leaves Manta alfredii, the reef mantas commonly encountered by divers and snorkelers, unprotected.

Nonetheless, this action by the Australian Government is a landmark step to protect manta rays and regulate international trade in their gill rakers and fins. It serves as a model for other countries–including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru and China where targeted fishing of rays predominantly occurs. This legislation preempts international efforts to protect manta rays, including their proposed listing under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species next year.