Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Tightening Protections for Listed Species

Defenders of Wildlife welcomes today’s action by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to end open permitting for the capture of ESA-threatened marine species in Florida waters for public display and exhibition purposes.

Under the new approach, permits for the capture of species such as giant manta rays and queen conch will now require full Commission review and approval, including clear justification and safeguards to prevent animals from being transferred overseas through permitting loopholes.

“While Defenders of Wildlife continues to believe these vulnerable marine species should not be captured from the wild for exhibition, today’s decision represents meaningful progress,” said Katherine Sayler, Southeast Representative with Defenders of Wildlife. “Requiring public review and Commission approval introduces greater transparency, accountability and oversight into a process that has lacked sufficient safeguards.”

Defenders also welcomed the Commission’s recognition of concerns surrounding international transfers and the need for stronger protections for threatened marine wildlife.

“This outcome demonstrates that even incremental policy changes can help move wildlife management in a more responsible direction,” Sayler added. “We remain committed to working with agencies, aquariums and other stakeholders to promote education, conservation and non-extractive alternatives that protect these species in the wild.”

In 2015, Defenders of Wildlife petitioned the giant manta ray for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The biggest threats to the species are overfishing and bycatch that have led to population collapses in many parts of its global range. The main driver of these threats is the high international demand for manta ray gill plates (filter-feeding structures). Although NOAA Fisheries listed it as threatened throughout its range in 2018, it refused to give the species legal protections against unauthorized take.

Defenders of Wildlife will continue advocating for stronger protections for threatened marine species and science-based policies that prioritize conservation and ecosystem health.

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