A proposed federal law banning shark feeding off Florida's coast has sparked pushback from the state's diving industry, which argues the measure unfairly targets small businesses and nonprofits while ignoring fishing practices. The bill, H.R. 3831, known as the Safe Florida Seas Act, passed the U.S. House and would prohibit shark feeding in federal waters within 200 miles of Florida, though it includes an exception for commercial harvesting. Supporters describe it as a necessary safety measure to reduce encounters between humans and sharks.
Dive operators say the legislation singles out their work, which often includes education, conservation, and structured shark encounters. Nathan Campbell, owner of Emerald Charters, noted that Congress has not requested operators present their data or explain their methods. The industry maintains a key difference between their practices and commercial fishing: operators conduct underwater baiting during dives rather than surface chumming, which they argue is less likely to condition sharks to approach boats. Commercial fishing operations, they contend, can disperse hundreds of gallons of chum at the water's surface, a practice the bill does not address.
The proposal references Hawaii's 2006 ban on baited shark diving in federal waters as a model. However, Florida operators and some researchers point to what they consider a cautionary outcome there. Dr. Matt Ajemian, an associate research professor at Florida Atlantic University, states that shark diving in Florida maintains a near perfect safety record. Since Hawaii implemented its ban, industry members note that shark incidents have increased and fatalities have occurred. According to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, at least one in four fishing trips now results in a shark biting off caught fish.
Campbell has sent a letter to Congress requesting that senators delay action, conduct additional research, and include all stakeholders, both tourism operators and fishing interests, in developing regulations. He emphasized that operators welcome accountability but want an opportunity to present science-based evidence before rules eliminate their businesses. The diving industry argues that shark tourism supports local economies and promotes ocean conservation awareness while serving both recreational and therapeutic purposes for customers. Campbell said operators are not afraid of sharks or being held responsible, but rather want the chance to prove their practices are safe and beneficial before facing elimination.