Manta rays are increasingly and unsustainably targeted for their gills, depleting many regional populations, internationally. Shark Savers and WildAid developed the Manta Ray of Hope Project (http://mantarayofhope.com/) to collaborate, world-wide, with leading manta researchers, NGO’s, governments and local communities to produce the first global status report, support trade bans, establish sanctuaries, increase consumer education and raise awareness, and develop ecotourism in select fishing communities.