Rare footage of the endangered Ornate eagle ray (captured in Raja Ampat)

When snorkling in Raja Ampat (in the region of Waigeo) I was very lucky to encouter this magnificent ray that is rarely ever seen. The Ornate eagle ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) is listed as an endangered species and its population has undergone a decline of at least 50 percent during the last three generations. There are currently no species-specific conservation measures in place. Given the rarity of this species, its occurrence in heavily fished inshore areas and its susceptibility to capture in a variety of fishing gear, it is likely to need legal protection in order to manage harvest and trade. However, this can be difficult to enforce in many countries where it occurs.

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