Defenders of Wildlife welcomes today’s action by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to end open permitting for the capture of ESA-threatened marine species in Florida waters for public display and exhibition purposes. Under the new approach, permits for the capture of species such as giant manta rays and queen conch will now require full Commission review and approval, including clear justification and safeguards to prevent animals from being transferred overseas through permitting loopholes. “While Defenders of Wildlife continues to believe these vulnerable marine species should not be captured from the wild for exhibition, today’s decision represents meaningful progress,” said Katherine Sayler, Southeast Representative with Defenders of Wildlife.…