Comments on proposed shark feeding restrictions in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are due today, October 26th.
In the most recent version of the “Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint,” the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has proposed restricting shark feeding except in the case of feeding sharks and other fish to harvest/kill them.
The proposed rule is specifically aimed at preventing divers from feeding sharks to observe and photograph them, according to the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association:
“DEMA has submitted comments in opposition to the proposed rule, but much is left to be done. Industry support is needed to prevent this unnecessary and destructive rule from being enacted.”
DEMA wants divers to submit comments in writing to NOAA to oppose this proposed regulation.
“Unless the diving community speaks up on this issue, this regulation will be put in place in federal waters in the Florida Keys and will soon find its way to ALL federal waters, effectively ending all shark diving in the United States.”
For instructions on how to submit comments, go to DEMA.org.
