Florida Lawmakers Move to Ban Manta Ray Captures After Viral Video Sparks Outrage

Key Takeaways:

• A video recorded off Panama City shows anglers pulling a massive manta ray onto their boat and placing it into a kiddie pool, sparking outrage and calls for change.
• The capture was legal under existing Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules, but lawmakers say it was not intended for entertainment purposes.
• The proposed Manta Protection Act would ban the capture and transportation of threatened or endangered marine species for entertainment purposes.
• The bill would still allow captures for rescue, rehabilitation, and scientific research.
• The law would take effect July 1 if passed.

Introduction to the Manta Protection Act
The Manta Protection Act is a proposed legislation that aims to protect threatened and endangered marine species, such as manta rays, from being captured and transported for entertainment purposes. The bill was introduced in response to a video recorded last summer off Panama City, which showed anglers pulling a massive manta ray onto their boat and placing it into a kiddie pool. The animal was later exported overseas for exhibition, sparking outrage and calls for change. State lawmakers say that the existing rules, which allow the collection of certain protected species with a marine special activity license for exhibition or educational purposes, were never intended for entertainment.

The Video and Its Impact
The video was recorded by an employee of Water Planet Dolphin Swim Tours, after the crew noticed anglers struggling to reel in what they initially believed was a shark. Once they realized it was a manta ray, tour owner Denis Richard said they assumed the animal would be released. Instead, the manta ray was hoisted onto the boat. Richard later learned that the anglers claimed to have a permit and planned to export the animal. He shared the video on social media, where it quickly spread worldwide. The video sparked a wave of outrage and concern for the welfare of the manta ray and other threatened marine species.

Current Florida Law and the Proposed Change
Under current Florida law, marine animals listed as threatened or endangered can be captured for exhibition or educational purposes with an FWC-issued marine special activity license. However, state Rep. Lindsay Cross of St. Petersburg, a co-sponsor of the new bipartisan legislation, says that this policy created a loophole that allows animals like manta rays to be taken from the wild for entertainment. The proposed Manta Protection Act would ban the capture and transportation of threatened or endangered marine species for entertainment purposes. The bill would still allow captures for rescue, rehabilitation, and scientific research. This change would help ensure that Florida’s waters remain a place where threatened animals are protected, not removed for profit or entertainment.

Response from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
The FWC has already taken steps to reevaluate its permitting process. In August, the agency paused the issuance of new special activity licenses for endangered shark and ray species and held two public input meetings online to navigate how to move forward. This move shows that the FWC is taking the concerns of lawmakers and the public seriously and is willing to make changes to protect threatened marine species. The FWC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to responsible and sustainable management of Florida’s marine resources.

Support for the Manta Protection Act
Supporters of the bill say that it would prevent future captures of vulnerable marine species and help ensure that Florida’s waters remain a place where threatened animals are protected, not removed for profit or entertainment. The bill has been introduced in both the Florida House and Senate, and if passed, would take effect July 1. The Manta Protection Act has gained widespread support from conservationists, animal welfare organizations, and the public, who are all calling for stronger protections for threatened marine species.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The Manta Protection Act is an important step towards protecting threatened and endangered marine species in Florida. The bill’s passage would send a strong message that the state values the welfare and conservation of its marine resources. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is likely to face scrutiny and debate. However, with the support of lawmakers, conservationists, and the public, the Manta Protection Act has a good chance of becoming law. If passed, the law would take effect July 1, providing a new level of protection for threatened marine species like manta rays. The future of Florida’s marine ecosystem depends on the actions taken today, and the Manta Protection Act is a crucial step towards ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the state’s marine resources.