The sicklefin devil ray is classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and while their populations appear to be declining, little is known about their biology.
The fish are often caught unintentionally as part of bycatches and are fished across the globe, particularly in India and Indonesia.
The discovery of the sicklefin devil ray’s presence is significant because it provides up-to-date information on the rays’ habitat and helps understand the risks posed by fisheries. It also highlights how incidental sightings and observer data can provide vital knowledge on rare, vulnerable, and difficult-to-study species.
Sicklefin devil ray researched by MMF
Jessica Pate, a research scientist with the MMF noted that “This study demonstrates how non-scientists frequently make crucial observations and contribute to the conservation of endangered species.”
Pate noted that “Many people are unaware that these rays exist; they’ve occasionally been mistaken for manta rays, which are even larger.”
