Last summer, millions watched an endangered manta pulled from Florida waters to be sold into captivity in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, sparking outcry across the state and around the world. The MANTA Act proposed in the Florida legislature could curb the capture of charismatic megafauna and endangered marine life — but it's at risk of being severely weakened.

The bill is has two versions, in the House and Senate. The House version would only stop 1% of capture permits for sharks and rays, leaving a loophole that could even allow aquarium corporations to continue capturing mantas. To stop endangered sharks and rays from slipping through the cracks, Florida legislators must amend the House bill to protect not only ESA-listed species, but also IUCN-redlisted species, as the Senate version does. Alternatively, the two chambers can agree to protect CITES-listed species or species prohibited from fishing under Florida law.

The aquarium industry is lobbying to strip down the MANTA Act. Floridians need to show their representatives that the public is watching and won't settle for an empty victory. For too long, aquarium corporations have been given exemptions from Florida law, to drag endangered species and charismatic megafauna from the ocean for private profit. We can't afford to miss this opportunity to protect these species.