Florida tightens rules on capturing giant manta rays but stops short of full ban
Florida has tightened regulations on capturing giant manta rays following public outcry over a viral video showing a ray in distress. While the new rules allow for some capture under specific conditions, they prohibit the international export of these threatened species for exhibition. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some advocating for a complete ban on capture.
- ▪The Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission has tightened rules on capturing giant manta rays but has not implemented a full ban.
- ▪A viral video showing a manta ray being mistreated prompted public and political pressure for stricter regulations.
- ▪The new rules prohibit the international export of captured manta rays and require educational justification for any exhibition in the US.
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A manta ray swims in clear turquoise ocean water. Photograph: Olga Pankova/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA manta ray swims in clear turquoise ocean water. Photograph: Olga Pankova/Getty ImagesFloridaFlorida tightens rules on capturing giant manta rays but stops short of full banMove follows upsetting viral video of ray being manhandled into unmarked boat in Florida waters last yearRichard Luscombe in MiamiSat 16 May 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 16 May 2026 06.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWildlife officials in Florida will continue to allow threatened giant manta rays to be taken from the ocean, but have tightened their policies after a viral video showed a captured ray in severe distress, and a bipartisan group of politicians called for an end to the controversial…
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