Florida officials have announced plans to review the special permits that allow firms to take endangered marine life from our waters for the aquarium trade. This decision follows a colossal public backlash over the recent capture of an enormous manta ray. A video posted on TikTok on July 12 later went viral, showing a boat crew hauling the large creature on-board off the coast of Panama City, Florida. This influenced the decision that ensued. The manta ray, which boasts a wingspan of up to 26 feet, is federally recognized as an endangered species, primarily threatened by commercial fishing activities.
To catch the manta ray, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) first had to approve a permit. This majestic creature was on its way to an aquarium in Abu Dhabi. The video of the capture led the community to react very strongly. In reaction to the permit grant announcement, a bipartisan coalition of Florida legislators swiftly signed a letter demanding that the FWC cancel the permit.
Rodney Barreto, chair of the FWC addressed these worries. He reiterated that the agency is committed to rigorously revisiting all existing policies on the capture of federally protected marine species. He addressed the uproar of the public and provided a promise to lawmakers that an exhaustive review of the existing regulations would be conducted.
“We understand both your concerns and those raised by the public following the recent harvest of a giant manta ray.” – Rodney Barreto
In a small administrative victory, the FWC suspended the issuance of new “marine special activity licenses” as of August 19. Such licenses permit the incidental take of endangered species. A permanent moratorium would help ensure that there don’t continue to be incidents like that of the giant manta ray.
Denis Richard, a marine wildlife advocate, expressed his dismay at the treatment of the captured manta ray, stating, “The manta ray was hooked under the wing, and it was obviously exhausted.” His remarks illustrate a growing sense among advocates that these amazing creatures deserve more protections.
The giant manta ray is not alone in its current threats and fate. Richard emphasized the urgent need for conservation efforts, stating, “The species is on its way out, like a lot of [other species], so they need to be [protected]. If they’re not, then their number will dwindle, and we’ll see what’s happened with many species that aren’t on this planet anymore.”
The FWC has announced that it intends to do rule hearings in 2026 to explore amending these policies, so stay tuned for more on this effort. In the meantime, lawmakers and wildlife advocates continue to push for reforms in how Florida manages its endangered marine species.