Manta Protection in Hawaii

With unrelenting commitment from 2003 to 2009,

Manta Pacific Research Foundation paved the way to manta protection in the State of Hawaii.  They provided testimony in writing and in-person during committee sessions, submitted a petition with 5600 signatures in support of manta protection in the State, and presented hand-drawn illustrations and written testimony from school children.  With additional scientific data and support from manta researchers from University of Hawaii, lawmakers were convinced that a proactive approach to protect manta rays was crucial.

 

On June 5, 2009, Act 092(09) was signed by Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii.  The prohibiton in this act states:

 

• "No person shall knowingly kill or capture a manta ray within state marine waters."

 

The penalties for any person violating this shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined:

 

• $500 for the 1st offense

• $2000 for 2nd offense

• $10,000 for 3rd offense

 

In addition, a person in violation of this section is subject to seizure and forfeiture of captured manta rays, commercial marine license, vessel and fishing equipment.  The act does not prohibit special activity permits.

 

Other Threats in Hawaii

Although ACT 092(09) prohibits one of the biggest threats to manta rays (no capturing or killing), other threats still exist for this manta population.  These include: 

• Boat strikes

• Entanglement

• Fishing hooks

• Loss of habitat