SEMPORNA: A group of people were awestruck when they encountered a rare oceanic manta ray off Pom Pom Island yesterday.
The five tourists, as well as two dive masters and a skipper, were snorkeling near an area believed to be home to various marine species when they initially mistook the large marine creature for a dolphin.
However, upon a closer inspection, they realised they had encountered a much rarer sight — an oceanic manta ray.
One of them Mohd Noor Fairoz Pungutan said they thought it was a dolphin.
"But when we got closer, it turned out to be an oceanic manta ray — something none of us expected," said the 28-year-old certified eco-friendly snorkelling guide during the 3.30pm encounter.
The oceanic manta ray, which was about six to sever metres in size, appeared to enjoy the company of the group, giving them a rare chance to observe it at close proximity.
"It was truly an incredible experience, as sightings of oceanic manta rays are very rare in this region."
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) had also reported several sightings at the same site this year.
Reef Check Malaysia (Sabah) programme manager Adzmin Fatta and marine scientist Dr Gonzalo Araujo said the species was confirmed as the oceanic manta ray or "mobula birostris", based on distinctive markings on its backs.
The species is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under the Fisheries Act of 1985.
Adzmin said the species was particularly vulnerable in the region due to its frequent hunting for local consumption, especially for its meat.
He said it is also being targeted for traditional medicine despite the absence of scientific evidence supporting the medicinal value.
"The video footage shared by Fairoz Fung (Mohd Noor Fairoz) has been widely circulated, bringing attention to the issue.
"We hope this will encourage people not to hunt or target manta rays."