Final Rule to List the Giant Manta Ray as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act

On January 22, 2018, NOAA Fisheries issued a final rule to list the giant manta ray (Manta birostris) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. On November 22, 2023, we issued a direct final rule to revise the scientific name of the giant manta ray to Mobula birostris to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of this species.

We reviewed the status of the giant manta ray, including efforts being made to protect this species, and considered public comments submitted on the proposed rule as well as new information received since publication of the proposed rule. Based on the best scientific and commercial data available, we determined that it warranted listing as a threatened species.