Frequently Asked Questions
What is H.R. 3831?
H.R. 3831, the Florida Safe Seas Act, would prohibit introducing food or other substances into the water to attract sharks in federal waters off Florida, except in limited circumstances related to harvest. The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by extending to Florida a prohibition similar to one already applicable in Hawaii.
Why does the shark diving community oppose H.R. 3831?
Many shark-diving operators, dive professionals, photographers, conservationists, researchers, and customers believe the bill:
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Is not supported by scientific evidence linking Florida shark diving to shark depredation.
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Could eliminate Florida's shark ecotourism industry.
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Restricts conservation, education, photography, and research while allowing attraction of sharks for harvest.
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Was advanced without fully considering its economic and conservation impacts.
Does H.R. 3831 ban shark diving?
Not by name.
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However, many shark dives rely on controlled baiting or scent to safely observe sharks offshore. Opponents argue that the bill would effectively prohibit many existing shark-diving operations in federal waters, making much of Florida's shark ecotourism industry economically unviable. The CBO also notes that the bill creates a private-sector mandate with forgone tourism revenue.
Is shark diving legal today?
Yes.
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Florida shark-diving operators currently operate 3 miles offshore under numerous federal and state regulations and Coast Guard safety requirements.Â
Does shark diving occur near beaches?
No.
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Professional shark dives in Florida are generally conducted several miles offshore (3+ miles), far from swimming beaches and recreational bathers.
Is there scientific evidence that shark diving causes shark depredation?
There is no scientific evidence has demonstrated that shark-diving operations cause increased shark depredation.
Why do shark divers use bait?
Bait serves several purposes:
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attracting sharks into view,
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keeping sharks focused away from divers,
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allowing safe, predictable encounters,
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supporting photography,
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facilitating education and research.
They argue this is conducted under controlled conditions by experienced professionals.
Would this affect underwater photographers and filmmakers?
Yes.
Many documentary filmmakers, photographers, and media organizations rely on shark attractants to capture footage used for education and conservation.
Does the bill prohibit attracting sharks for fishing?
No.
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The bill allows attracting sharks for harvest while prohibiting attracting them for non-consumptive activities such as tourism, education, conservation, photography, and research.
Has Congress heard from all stakeholders?
No. We are asking that Congress hear testimony from:
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marine scientists,
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shark researchers,
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conservation organizations,
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dive operators,
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tourism businesses,
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photographers,
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coastal communities,
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recreational anglers,
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fisheries experts,
Does opposing H.R. 3831 mean opposing fishermen?
No.
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Shark-diving operators recognize shark depredation as a legitimate concern for anglers.
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Our position is that effective solutions should be based on scientific evidence rather than restricting an industry they believe has not been shown to cause the problem.
What is the main message of the shark-diving community?
Healthy shark populations, healthy fisheries, and thriving coastal economies are not mutually exclusive.
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The community's position is that Florida can support recreational fishing, scientific research, marine conservation, and sustainable shark ecotourism simultaneously — and that any federal legislation affecting these interests should be guided by the best available science and a full public review rather than assumptions alone.