Florida tightens rules on capturing giant manta rays but stops short of full ban
Summary
Florida wildlife officials have tightened rules on capturing giant manta rays but did not ban the practice entirely. The new rules stop manta rays from being sent overseas and require approval and educational reasons for indoor displays in the U.S.Key Facts
- Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to tighten rules on capturing threatened giant manta rays.
- Capturing manta rays is still allowed but requires direct approval from the commission.
- Manta rays can no longer be exported to aquariums outside the U.S.
- Any U.S. facility displaying manta rays must show they have an educational purpose.
- A viral video showed a manta ray in distress during capture, sparking calls from some politicians for a full ban.
- Since 2019, the FWC has issued 25 special activity licenses for manta ray captures, mostly for international aquariums.
- The only U.S. aquarium currently displaying giant manta rays is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
- A proposed Florida law to ban capturing threatened marine species was introduced but did not pass.
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