The largest sea creature with wings, the manta ray, or “devil” ray, may be going on the endangered species list, a federal agency announced Monday.
The National Marine Fisheries Service put out a pre-publication notice Monday for Tuesday’s Federal Register that it is beginning a formal review process on whether to list both the giant manta ray, and its smaller cousin the “reef” manta, as threatened or endangered.
An endangered species determination could result in the federal government designating protected habitat for the large rays, which are found off the coast of some southeastern states and California. Overfishing is depleting their populations, conservation groups say.
The reef mantas tend to spend more time in shallower water near the coast, while giant mantas are more often found in the open ocean. They can have wingspans over 20 feet long and are the only ray species that are filter feeders.
The group Defenders of Wildlife petitioned the agency for review.
The notice is open for 60 days of public comment.
