The Bill's Changing Justification
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Why H.R. 3831 deserves closer scrutiny
Although H.R. 3831 is now promoted as a solution to shark depredation, the operative language did not originate as depredation legislation.
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Instead, the language traces back to an earlier proposal focused on sportfishing concerns. Over time, the rationale presented for the same prohibition has shifted—even though the legal language has remained largely unchanged.
How the Narrative Has Shifted
When H.R. 3831 was first introduced, supporters consistently described it as a public safety bill.
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During the House Natural Resources hearing, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — one of the bill's primary supporters — focused its testimony on:
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Public safety
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Preventing wildlife feeding
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Avoiding the conditioning of sharks to associate people with food
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Aligning federal law with Florida's existing shark-feeding regulations
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Consistency between state and federal law
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Notably, the testimony never identifies shark depredation as the purpose of the bill.
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Original Justification (2025)
Public safety
Prevent conditioning sharks
Close a regulatory loophole
Match Florida state law
Then vs. Now
Current Messaging (2026)
Shark depredation
Protect recreational fisheries
Reduce sharks taking hooked fish
Address conflicts between sharks and anglers
What scientific evidence demonstrates this bill will achieve either goal?
To date:
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No published study has shown that Florida's regulated shark-diving operations increase the risk of shark bites.
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No published study has demonstrated that Florida's shark-diving industry causes or significantly contributes to shark depredation.
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No published research has shown that banning shark diving in federal waters would reduce either shark bites or depredation.
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Instead, the bill has been promoted under two different rationales while the underlying legislative language has remained largely unchanged.