Entanglement
Unfortunately, many rays end up entangled in fishing nets. It happens so much that conservationists feel the species is soon to be extinct. Footage of the beasts being friendly toward humans could help, and thanks to the videos, manta tourism is popular!
Tourism
Manta tourism raises awareness of their plight and boosts the local economy. In fact, Indonesia banned manta fishing because tourism was more profitable. A single hunted ray brings about $500, but a live animal attraction can earn $1 million within its lifetime.