A Turning Point for the Ocean: Why 2025 Matters for Manta & Devil Rays

At Oevaali Art Shop, the ocean is not just inspiration, it is responsibility. Since 2019, we have proudly supported The Manta Trust, a global charity dedicated to the protection of manta and devil rays. Today, we are honoured to share extraordinary news from their work: news that marks a historic shift for marine conservation worldwide.

A Global Win for Mantas and Devil Rays

In 2025, the international commercial trade of all manta and devil ray species was officially banned following a landmark uplisting vote at CITES CoP20. This decision represents years of tireless effort by scientists, policymakers, affiliates, and collaborators working behind the scenes to protect some of the ocean’s most vulnerable giants.

Central to this achievement was The Manta Trust’s Global Population Declines study, alongside more than a dozen new peer-reviewed papers published this year and added to their Research Portal. These findings provided critical evidence that helped shape global policy and drive real change.

Recognising the Urgency

Further underscoring the severity of the threat, three oceanic devil ray species were reclassified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This stark designation is a call to action, and one that the conservation community has answered with resolve.

From Policy to Protection

With trade bans now in place, the focus turns to what matters most: ensuring legislation translates into meaningful action on the water. Enforcement, international cooperation, and continued research will be vital to helping manta and devil ray populations recover from the brink of extinction.

Celebrating Two Decades of Conservation in the Maldives

Looking ahead to 2026, The Manta Trust will mark 20 years since Guy Stevens co-founded the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, their flagship initiative and one of the world’s longest-running manta research projects. The programme’s impact in the Maldives stands as a powerful example of what sustained, place-based conservation can achieve.

A Hopeful Horizon

With the High Seas Treaty coming into force in the coming weeks, there is renewed optimism that we are entering a turning point for ocean protection. For mantas and devil rays, ancient, graceful, and essential to marine ecosystems,  this moment matters.

Why It Matters to Us

At Oevaali Art Shop, our partnership with The Manta Trust reflects our belief that creativity and conservation are deeply connected. Every story told, every object crafted, and every collaboration supported is part of a wider commitment to safeguarding the natural world that shapes us.

Thank you for standing with us, and with The Manta Trust, as we work towards a future where mantas and devil rays can thrive, not just survive.

#SaveTheMantas

A Commitment in Form: The Manta Ray Pendant in Silver + Sapphire

In support of the organization, we donate 5% of your purchases of the Manta Ray Silver + Sapphire Pendant to the Manta Trust and their pioneering work for our oceans.

This article is informed by publicly available research, reports, and communications from The Manta Trust, alongside insights shared by Bex Carter, Director of Conservation Programmes.