Congressman Webster Introduces Florida Safe Seas Act to Prohibit Shark Feeding

In a recent legislative hearing held by the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Congressman Daniel Webster introduced the Florida Safe Sees Act, a proposed bill aimed at enhancing public safety for beachgoers and swimmers in Florida. The bill comes in response to a concerning rise in shark attacks, with eight reported incidents this year alone, three of which occurred in Florida.

Congressman Webster emphasized the need for the bill by recalling past actions taken in Florida to mitigate shark-related dangers. He noted that two decades ago, the state implemented a ban on hand-feeding sharks in its waters, a practice that can condition sharks to associate humans with food, thereby increasing the risk of attacks. The Florida Safe Sees Act seeks to align federal law with this state regulation by prohibiting the hand-feeding of sharks in federal waters off Florida's coast.

Currently, similar prohibitions exist in other regions, such as Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific, but Florida has been notably absent from this list. By extending these protections to Florida, the bill aims to safeguard both residents and visitors, allowing them to enjoy the state's unique ecotourism opportunities without the heightened risk of shark encounters.

Webster highlighted the inconsistency in regulations, pointing out that while visitors to federal lands like national parks are advised against feeding wildlife, such practices remain permissible in Florida's waters. The proposed legislation aims to rectify this gap, prioritizing the safety of Floridians and ensuring that harmful practices do not jeopardize public safety.

As discussions continue, the Florida Safe Sees Act represents a proactive step toward addressing public safety concerns in Florida's coastal waters, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive measures to protect both people and wildlife. The next steps for the bill will involve further deliberation and potential adjustments as it moves through the legislative process.