Target: Roger A. Young, Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, Florida
Goal: Revoke the current Marine Special Activity License, suspend future approvals for threatened rays, and overhaul rules so capture-for-display ends while science-based, non-lethal conservation moves forward.
A viral clip showed contractors hauling a giant manta ray onto a boat near a busy beach. Bystanders shouted for release. Officials later confirmed the capture occurred under an FWC Marine Special Activity License supplying animals for an overseas park. Manta rays sit on federal threatened lists, reproduce slowly, and struggle in captivity. Removing even one adult from a nursery ground harms local populations and undercuts research that protects riders, divers, and coastal jobs.
Lawmakers from both parties have questioned the license process. They argue permits should not greenlight removals of threatened wildlife for commercial display without public input and independent science. Florida waters support a crucial manta nursery. Captures for exhibition bring trauma, transport stress, and needless risk where non-capture study tools exist. Public trust frays when a threatened animal becomes cargo after a quiet administrative approval.
Florida can lead with clear rules that match modern ethics and conservation. This petition calls for immediate suspension of new special-activity licenses that authorize capture of threatened rays, rapid revocation of the license used here, independent scientific review before any future take, and a transparent rulemaking that elevates non-lethal research and ocean-friendly tourism. Publish approvals and denials, require public comment, and bar exports for display. Protect nurseries, protect science, protect Florida’s reputation.
PETITION LETTER:
Executive Director Young,
A widely shared video shows a giant manta ray captured under an FWC Marine Special Activity License for export. Manta rays remain federally threatened, reproduce slowly, and are widely documented as poor candidates for captivity. Florida hosts a vital nursery that supports conservation, education, and ecotourism. This single incident has sparked bipartisan concern, public anger, and deep questions about your licensing process.
We respectfully urge you to revoke the license tied to this capture and suspend any new authorizations that permit take of threatened manta rays for display. Swift action signals real stewardship and prevents copycat requests. Please launch rulemaking that requires independent scientific review with public notice and comment before any future take of protected species. Open scrutiny builds trust and improves outcomes. Prioritize non-lethal study methods and require proof that no viable alternative exists before any take proceeds. Bar export for entertainment or exhibition purposes so conservation stays front and center. Publish all Marine Special Activity License applications, decisions and permit conditions online with post-activity reports available for public review. Sunlight helps accountability work. Convene an expert panel that includes independent scientists and conservation groups to advise on nursery protection, monitoring and tourism standards. Shared guidance will protect habitats while supporting coastal communities.
These steps would restore confidence while aligning practice with conservation science. Clear, transparent policy helps Florida safeguard threatened wildlife, sustain coastal economies, and avoid repeats that erode trust.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Daniel Sasse
