The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has approved final changes to its Marine Special Activity License program aimed at strengthening oversight and conservation protections for marine prohibited and threatened species. The changes were approved during the agency’s May Commission meeting and will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Among the updates is a clarified definition of marine “prohibited species” and new policies regarding the collection of certain marine species for educational and exhibition purposes. Under the revised rules, the only species listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act that may be authorized for exhibition collection are giant manta rays and queen conch. Any authorization for the collection of those species must now be approved directly by FWC Commissioners during a public Commission meeting.
The new rules also prohibit the authorization of ESA-threatened marine species for export to locations outside of the United States.
Additional updates to the Marine SAL program include revisions to non-conforming gear SALs, changes to the framework for Florida Marine Science Educators Association certification programs, including limiting temporary possession of marine organisms to 30 days, and updated requirements related to marine organism tagging.
FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said the changes are intended to ensure responsible conservation while recognizing the role aquariums play in public education and conservation awareness.
The Phase III rule changes complete a multi-year effort to update Marine SAL program regulations. Phase I changes were approved in December 2024, followed by Phase II changes in November 2025.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
