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In July 2024, a video of a manta ray being violently captured off the coast of Florida sparked global outrage. That public outcry is now driving change. Florida lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation, SB 988 and HB 1171, the Marine At-Risk Native Endangered or Threatened Animal (MANTA) Protection Act, to ban this kind of cruelty. Tell your local Florida representatives to support this critical bill now.

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, off Panama City Beach, Water Planet Dolphin Tours captured video of a healthy manta ray being dragged onto a boat. Clearly distressed, she thrashed and struggled as she was pulled from the water. Onlookers were horrified, and the footage ignited widespread condemnation.

Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean and are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Yet the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission granted SeaWorld a permit to capture a giant manta ray off Florida's coast, allowing her to be taken from the wild and shipped to an aquarium in Abu Dhabi. This must end. Florida lawmakers have the power to permanently ban the capture of manta rays and other threatened marine species for entertainment and display.

Although catching manta rays is generally prohibited, Florida is the only state that authorizes “marine special activity licenses” that allow captures of manta rays and other federally protected species for exhibition. After receiving the permit, SeaWorld hired Dynasty Marine Associates to carry out the capture.

In response to public outrage, Florida lawmakers State Senator Ileana Garcia and State Representative Lindsay Cross have introduced the MANTA Protection Act in both the House and Senate. The bill would ban the taking, transport, export, or sale of federally threatened or endangered marine species from Florida waters for exhibition, display, or entertainment, with limited exceptions for legitimate rescue, rehabilitation, or critical scientific research.

While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has paused new permits for endangered sharks and rays, a temporary pause is not enough. Permanent legislative protections are needed.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Support SB 988 and HB 1171 MANTA Protection Act

I am a Florida resident writing to urge you to support and advance the MANTA Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would ban the capture, transport, export, or sale of federally threatened or endangered marine species from Florida waters for exhibition, display, or entertainment purposes.

In July 2025, a video of a giant manta ray being violently captured off the coast of Florida shocked the public and drew global condemnation. This animal was taken from her home in the ocean under a state-issued permit and sent abroad to be displayed in captivity. That incident exposed a dangerous loophole in Florida law that allows threatened species to be removed from the wild for commercial entertainment.

Manta rays are listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They reproduce slowly, giving birth to just one pup every two to three years, and cannot withstand losses from capture. These intelligent, wide-ranging animals suffer greatly in captivity and do not survive or thrive in tanks that can never replicate the ocean.

Florida is currently the only state that allows special permits for the capture of manta rays and other protected sharks and rays for exhibition. This puts Florida out of step with science, conservation ethics, and public values. While the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has paused some permits, a temporary administrative pause is not enough. This issue requires permanent legislative action.

The MANTA Protection Act would close this loophole and ensure that threatened marine species are protected in the wild, while still allowing exceptions for legitimate rescue, rehabilitation, or critical scientific research. This is a reasonable, science-based solution that reflects Florida’s responsibility as a steward of our shared marine ecosystems.

I strongly urge you to support the MANTA Protection Act and work to see it passed this legislative session. Florida’s wildlife should not be treated as commodities. These animals belong in the ocean, not in captivity.

Thank you for your time and for representing our community.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.