Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
Lessons from the mantas (and a challenge for 2026)
|
As we enter 2026, I find myself reflecting on what motivates me after years of working with the manta rays. It’s not only the thrill of encountering the gentle giants underwater - which never loses its magic - but also the realization that people like you genuinely care. It’s inspiring to see that care translates into meaningful action. We can’t do everything, and none of us can be held responsible for the state of the world, but we can all take action in our own way. For me, that action is advocating for manta rays and, more recently, giving others a voice through the Ocean Wings podcast. But, the world requires more than just basic measures, which is why I support ocean conservation organizations that I genuinely believe in. Each year, I update my list of favorite charities on my website, based on what I've learned about them throughout the year. Here are five outstanding groups dedicated to protecting marine life, cleaning up ocean debris, saving coral reefs, and creating sustainable solutions for coastal communities. My challenge to you for 2026: pick ONE cause that speaks to your heart 💙. This could be anything from protecting mantas, sea turtles, or whale sharks to tackling plastic pollution. Find an organization that aligns with your values and support them. Even a contribution of $10 a month can make a difference. Following their social media accounts and sharing their posts helps spread awareness. Telling your friends about them will also help reach a broader audience.
Jacques-Yves Cousteau is right "We only protect what we love,... " and spreading that love is how we turn the tide. Wishing you a year full of purpose and connection to the ocean.
|
Martina Wing
Manta rays are beautiful and majestic animals that have a life-changing effect on people who meet them. I want to protect them so humans can experience their transformational power for generations to come! My goal is to inspire people so they take action to protect the mantas' ecosystem and oceans all around the world.
Aloha Reader, When someone suggested interviewing Manta Ray Advocates team members for my podcast, I didn't know what the conversation should be about: we talk and text almost every day, what else is there to say? Turns out my right hand, Savannah, has a whole lot of stories about what it's like to work here :) In this new episode of the Ocean Wings podcast, we dive into topics like collecting data on the manta rays we encounter, handling customer communication and operations, and briefing...
Aloha Reader, Chris Gorman lives in Nebraska - America's most landlocked state. So when he and his wife travel to the ocean, they make it count. Chris does what he calls "serial research" - diving into reviews, looking for operators who align with their values, and planning experiences that will stick with them long after they get home. In this week's episode, Chris shares how he chooses responsible travel experiences, why he looks beyond star ratings when reading reviews, and what made their...
Aloha Reader, During the briefing before we take guests to meet manta rays in the ocean, we'd often explain how the manta rays aren't there to perform for us - they're just living their lives, and we're lucky to witness it. Last April during that briefing, one of the guests lit up: "I just wrote a paper about this." The guest was called Rowan Daugherty, and her paper "Putting the Phone Down: the Negative Impact of Technology on Nature". It explores something I've been trying to communicate...