While there are many researchers currently at work studying the amazing marine life that calls the world\u2019s oceans home, there is still plenty that remains unknown about our water-bound neighbors.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, certain businesses, like marine parks, have taken it upon themselves to capture a number of these animals for display, calling it \u201ceducation\u201d or \u201cConservation,\u201d when in fact little learning goes on in these establishments.<\/p>\n
Other ocean beings suffer out in the wild, heavily harvested through overfishing (or cruel means as with shark finning or Taiji\u2019s annual dolphin slaughter).<\/p>\n
While the plight of dolphins and sharks often takes the prime media spots, manta rays \u2013 one of the world\u2019s largest fish \u2013 are also subjected to similar fates.<\/p>\n
Manta rays are classified as \u201cglobally vulnerable\u201d and are frequently fished out of their homes for human consumption, bait, and for their gill rakers, which are used in traditional Asian medicine.<\/p>\n
Since the majority of the manta ray trade is unregulated, these animals are left with little to no protection.<\/p>\n