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, It's been a busy winter season for us - while we haven't been in the water with the mantas much due to high surf and winter conditions, I wrapped up the first season of the Ocean Wings podcast. I thoroughly enjoy the long-form conversation, so I spent the rest of winter break working on another podcast I'll be hosting with my friend Tina Marie. That one has nothing to do with manta rays (or maybe it does 🙃). We recently soft-launched. 2025 statistics Back to the manta rays: we...
Aloha Reader, It's hard to believe, but we've wrapped Season 1 of Ocean Wings. Twelve episodes, twelve incredible guests, and so many moments that reminded me why I wanted to start this podcast in the first place - to share stories that inspire me and will no doubt inspire others. If you've been following along from the start, thank you. If you missed a few episodes along the way, now's the perfect time to catch up before we head into Season 2 (we're hoping to start recording in May). A few...
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...