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Florida’s Manta Protection Act targets loopholes in marine wildlife laws

A viral video exposed how protected manta rays are legally shipped abroad. Now, Florida’s new bill could rewrite the rules—but will it pass?

,   and  Administrator
1 min read
The image shows a majestic manta ray swimming gracefully through the crystal clear blue waters of...
The image shows a majestic manta ray swimming gracefully through the crystal clear blue waters of the ocean. Its large body is illuminated by the sun's rays, creating a beautiful contrast between the deep blue of the water and the bright white of its fins. Its graceful movements create a mesmerizing effect as it gracefully glides through the depths of the sea.

Florida’s Manta Protection Act targets loopholes in marine wildlife laws

A newly proposed law in Florida, the Manta Protection Act, aims to stop the capture of threatened marine species for entertainment. The move follows a recent incident where anglers legally caught a manta ray off Panama City and shipped it abroad for display. Lawmakers argue the current rules were never meant to allow such practices.

The Manta Protection Act, now under review, would close this loophole while keeping exemptions for research and rescue efforts.

The controversy began when a video surfaced online, recorded by an employee of Water Planet Dolphin Swim Tours. It showed the capture of a manta ray, a protected species, near Panama City. The animal was later transported overseas for exhibition.

Under current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rules, collecting protected species is legal with a marine special activity licence—even for display purposes. Denis Richard, founder of Water Planet, called the incident frustrating but acknowledged the capture was within the law.

State lawmakers, including Senator Jay Collins and Representative Cory Simon, are now pushing for change. Their proposed bill, Senate Bill 1158 and House Bill 1315, would ban future captures of vulnerable marine animals for entertainment. Exemptions would remain for scientific research, rehabilitation, and rescue operations.

The Manta Protection Act was discussed in a House Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee and has also been introduced in the Florida Senate. If approved, the law would take effect on 1 July 2025.

The bill seeks to ensure Florida’s waters remain a safe haven for threatened species. If passed, it would prevent similar captures in the future while still allowing essential conservation work. The outcome now rests with state legislators.

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