Manta Ray

Was rather hoping to see manta rays for the first time while snorkelling or diving, but came across this scene while driving around eastern Flores on our final day here.

They were busy loading two mantas, each weighing over 50kg, on to the roof of a 'bemo' (public minibus) to drive the 1hr to the fish market in Maumere, where I believe they are sold for export to China. They had been caught in nets a long way offshore out in the Timor Sea.