Manta Ray Rehabilitated: What’s Next?

a giant oceanic manta ray is lifted out of a transport unit in Taitung County Taiwan February 16, 2017

April 11, 2017April 11, 2017 Phillip Charlier 2 Comments east-coast, manta rays, marine biology

A giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) rescued after being caught as by-catch in a fisherman’s net off the coast of Hualian County in February, has adapted well to its captive environment. Researchers at the Eastern Marine Biology Research Center say that the manta ray’s injuries have healed, and the 150 kilogram animal is consuming 10 to 15 kilograms of Antarctic krill every day. The ray was moved to a pool at the research facility after being caught on February

two giant manta rays are seen at a fishmarket in Kaohsiung

Marine and Fisheries

January 4, 2017January 5, 2017 Phillip Charlier 0 Comment Kaohsiung, manta rays, marine conservation

The captain of a Taiwan fishing vessel will face a fine after failing to report the capture and deaths of 2 giant manta rays, which are listed as a vulnerable species by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Photos of the bloodied carcases of the manta rays laid on the ground at a fish market in Kaohsiung began to circulate on social media January 1, and were widely reported in Taiwan’s media January 3. Police interviewed the owner of a