At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved final changes to improve the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program.

These changes include updates to regulations for marine prohibited species:

• A clarified definition of marine "prohibited species"
• Incorporating a policy on the collection of marine prohibited species for education and exhibition that increases restrictions and provides more comprehensive guidance
• The only species listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that may be authorized for exhibition collection are giant manta ray and queen conch
• Authorization for exhibition collection of giant manta ray and queen conch can only be given directly by the Commissioners at a Commission meeting
• FWC will not authorize the exhibition collection of ESA "threatened" species for export to locations outside the U.S.

Other changes for the Marine Species Activity License program include:

• Updates to non-conforming gear SALs
• Updates to the framework for the Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA) Certification, including limiting temporary possession to 30 days
• Updates related to the tagging of marine organisms

"FWC is committed to the responsible conservation of endangered and threatened species," said Chairman Rodney Baretto. "We recognize the role public aquariums play in building support for conservation. The actions we took today will ensure the highest level of oversight for the collection of marine threatened species for responsible exhibition in the U.S."

These changes mark the completion of the third phase of changes to update rules governing the Marine SAL program. The Commission approved Phase II changes at the November 2025 meeting, and Phase I changes were approved at the December 2024 meeting. Phase III changes will become effective July 1, 2026.

For the full Commission meeting May 13 agenda and links to background reports, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select "Commission Meetings."