There's only a few days left before delegates from 177 countries will meet at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to consider the proposal to protect manta rays. We need your help to ensure that the delegates have the facts they need to vote in support of the manta proposal.
If you haven't already, please donate to the Shark Savers and WildAid Manta Ray of Hope Campaign to tell delegates that mantas are in trouble, and they are worth more alive to tourism, then dead.
Every donation received within the next week will be DOUBLED! Your gift will:
1. Share Shawn Heinrich's new short film Manta's Last Dance featuring "mermaid" Hannah Fraser, that presents the beauty of manta rays and inspires people to protect them,
2. Spread Richard Branson's message on protecting manta rays in our brand new PSA,
3. And support the efforts of our Manta Ray of Hope team at CITES as they reach out to delegates with educational materials, participate in outreach events and host a reception on March 6th in cooperation with Thai NGO, Freeland Foundation, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with special guests Piyada "Jaime" Monmaneerat, Miss Scuba International, Maggie Q and Richard Branson by video.
Manta rays that have been targeted by the gill plates fisheries have declined by an estimated 56% to 85% over the past 6-8 years. Let's not allow our manta ray populations to disappear for an industry driven by profit.
Now is the time to persuade the CITES delegates to vote YES for mantas.
PS. Don't forget to add your name to the global petition urging CITES delegates to protect mantas!
