ACTION URGENT: PROTECT OUR SHARKS • DON'T FAST-TRACK H.R. 3831 • JOIN THE COALITION • PRESERVE MARINE ECOTOURISM •
Save Shark Diving: Don’t Fast-Track H.R. 3831
Congress should not rush a contested shark-policy bill before hearing from marine scientists, conservation experts, dive operators, and coastal businesses.
Protect Shark Conservation, Education, Research, and Sustainable Ocean Tourism
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H.R. 3831, the Florida Safe Seas Act, would prohibit the use of food or any other substance to attract sharks in Florida’s federal waters for virtually any purpose other than harvesting them.
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If enacted, this legislation could end Florida’s shark diving industry and impact:
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Shark conservation programs
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Scientific research
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Marine education
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Wildlife photography
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Ecotourism businesses
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Charter operators and local jobs
WHAT THIS FIGHT IS ABOUT
Don’t Let Congress Fast-Track Shark Policy Without Science
H.R. 3831 is being presented as a simple safety measure. It is not.
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This bill raises real questions about marine science, shark behavior, conservation, tourism, and the livelihoods of coastal businesses. Yet supporters are trying to frame it as routine, noncontroversial legislation that can move quickly through Congress.
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That is exactly what must not happen.
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Our position is straightforward: if Congress wants to legislate in this area, it should first hear the full record. That means marine biologists. That means conservation experts. That means dive operators. That means the coastal communities and small businesses that would be directly affected.
This is not the kind of issue that should be rushed on shorthand, fear, or incomplete assumptions.
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Tell Congress: Don’t Fast Track H.R. 3831 Off Suspension
Our Core Case
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This bill is not noncontroversial.
There are live disputes within the diving, marine science, and ecotourism communities about the assumptions behind H.R. 3831.
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Congress has not heard the full record.
Before moving forward, lawmakers should hear from a broader range of experts and stakeholders.
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Responsible shark ecotourism is not the same as fishing-related chum practices.
Conflating unlike activities is how Congress writes bad policy.
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Coastal jobs are on the line.
This debate affects real businesses, real workers, and real communities.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Why This Matters
Florida is home to one of the world’s most recognized shark diving destinations.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, divers can encounter:
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Tiger sharks
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Bull sharks
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Great hammerheads
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Lemon sharks
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Caribbean reef sharks
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Silky sharks
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Oceanic species
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People travel from around the world specifically to dive with sharks in Florida.
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These experiences support:
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Tourism
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Conservation awareness
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Scientific research
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Local businesses
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Marine education
THE ISSUE
What H.R. 3831 Would Do
The bill would prohibit introducing food or other substances into the water to attract sharks in Florida’s federal waters except for harvesting purposes.
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Supporters argue the bill addresses public safety concerns.
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Opponents argue it would:
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Eliminate established shark diving operations
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Reduce opportunities for public education
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Impact research and conservation programs
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Harm tourism-dependent businesses
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Remove economic incentives that encourage shark protection
WHY SHARK DIVING MATTERS
Conservation Through Experience
Research consistently shows that people are more likely to support shark conservation after experiencing sharks firsthand.
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Shark diving helps:
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Educate
Millions of people learn about sharks through dive operators, researchers, photographers, and conservation advocates.
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Inspire
Direct experiences help replace fear with understanding.
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Protect
Living sharks often generate far more economic value through tourism than through harvest.
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Fund Research
Many scientific projects rely on collaborations with dive operators and predictable shark encounters.
FLORIDA’S SHARK DIVING INDUSTRY
An Economic Driver
Florida shark diving supports:
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Charter businesses
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Hotels and resorts
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Restaurants
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Airlines
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Dive shops
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Boat crews
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Photographers
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Marine tourism professionals
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Visitors often travel internationally and return year after year.
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The impact extends far beyond a single dive charter.
No One is Entitled to a Rushed Bill. Join the Coalition.
The scientific and economic impacts of H.R. 3831 deserve rigorous examination. We are building a coalition of scientists, conservation experts, and coastal business owners to demand a transparent process. Sign the petition to ensure your voice is heard before Congress acts.