A controversial piece of legislation moving through Congress could eliminate Florida’s commercial shark diving industry.

Supporters of the Florida Safe Seas Act say the goal is to make beaches safer for swimmers. Critics argue there is no scientific evidence to support that claim and warn the bill could jeopardize an industry that generates more than $300 million annually.

“It’s definitely concerning because shark ecotourism in this area is a very important part of our landscape here,” said Kristopher Lynn, owner and operator of Calypso Charters in Palm Beach County.

Lynn is one of about 25 South Florida dive operators who offer people an opportunity to see sharks up close.

“People being able to come out and responsibly and safely see these animals is really important, not just for shark conservation, but for ocean conservation,” said Dr. Michael Heithaus, a marine biologist and shark researcher.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Florida Safe Seas Act, which would prohibit shark feeding in U.S. waters for any purpose other than fishing or harvesting sharks.

“We’re using limited amounts of chum. We’re not putting a large amount of bait in the water to attract sharks. We’re just basically going down there and checking them out,” Lynn said.

The bill claims shark-feeding practices condition sharks to associate humans with food and increase the likelihood of shark encounters. Marine researchers and conservationists dispute that claim, saying there is no science proving a connection.

“This is a bill dressed as a conservation and safety effort, when in reality the only thing it is conserving is the pockets of the fishing industry,” said shark advocate and conservationist MJ Algarra.

For years, the fishing industry has reported a rise in depredation, when sharks eat a catch before an angler can bring the fish onto a boat.

“Probably 15 to 20 times a year that you’ll get chased, probably five to 10 times a year that you’ll get eaten. And that’s not something that would ever happen in the last five years,” said Capt. Dean Panos of Double D Charters.

Many anglers argue the shark diving industry is making the problem worse. Shark advocates contend that concern is the real motivation behind the bill.

“I don’t believe that this bill helps with safety, other than the safety of the fishermen trying to bring their catch onto the boat,” Algarra said.

Commercial shark dive charters operate more than three miles offshore in federal waters. Meanwhile, shark fishing from shore remains legal in Florida, and the bill would still allow baiting to harvest sharks.

Opponents of the legislation question why an activity taking place miles offshore would be restricted while an activity that could attract sharks closer to swimmers would remain legal.

“Obviously, the hotspot for convergence and conflict between swimmers and sharks would be right here on the beach, not three miles off the shore,” said Spencer Roberts, a shark researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School.

Roberts also criticized state opposition to local shark fishing restrictions, including a Miami Beach ordinance passed in February banning shark fishing from shore. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has said such ordinances conflict with state laws and regulations.

“If FWC is so concerned about the law, I hope that they will enforce their shark handling laws,” Roberts said.

Florida law prohibits removing certain shark species from the water or delaying their release for any reason, including taking photographs. Roberts claimed enforcement has been lacking.

“In 2025, FWC issued one citation across the whole state for illegal shark handling. My team of coders and shark biologists identified over 130 on Instagram in a random sample,” he said.

The debate has alarmed conservationists like Jim Abernathy, who has spent 44 years diving with sharks and advocating for their protection through education and conservation efforts.

“What’s at stake right now is the collapse of our ocean ecosystems. The shark’s role is to maintain the health and balance of the entire ocean,” Abernathy said.

“77% of all sharks and rays are listed with some type of endangerment, so in my eyes shark management has failed. We are in a last-ditch effort of preservation,” he added.

The Florida Safe Seas Act is now being considered by the Senate.

Meanwhile, another shark-related proposal, the SHARKED Act, sponsored by Florida Senator Rick Scott, is also drawing attention. The bill calls for research into reducing shark depredation incidents and does not rule out killing sharks as a management tool.

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