After wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz stumbled upon manta ray poaching near her home in India, she disguised herself as a fish trader to find out who was behind the plot—a dicey proposition as she pursues traffickers in India, China, and Nepal.

For more information on this episode, visit natgeo.com/overheard.

Want more?

Check out Malaika and Nitye’s production company, Untamed Planet. There, you can see films about big cats, pandemics, and, of course, manta ray trafficking.

Also explore: 

Curious how these animals stole Malaika’s heart? Take a look at Nat Geo Wild’s The Social Lives of Manta Rays.

For subscribers:

Believe it or not, manta rays have their own distinct social circles. Learn more in our article about manta ray friendships.

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