Outrage after video shows Florida fishing group capturing protected manta ray from water
Footage of manta ray being captured in Florida raises animal welfare concerns
- A video depicting the capture of a giant manta ray near Panama City Beach, Florida, has sparked widespread outrage over animal welfare and conservation practices.
- Denis Richard, founder of Water Planet USA, recorded the incident, observing five people struggling to bring the endangered creature onto their boat.
- Richard expressed horror at the manta ray's distress, noting it appeared to have been snagged rather than hooked, and was subsequently placed into a small deck pool.
- Despite giant oceanic manta rays being protected under the Endangered Species Act, the captors possessed a Marine Special Activity License permitting the take of one manta ray for exhibition.
- The group involved is a Marathon-based company that supplies marine life to aquariums and stores, such as SeaWorld.