Trump Pardons Florida Diver Who Freed Sharks After Felony Conviction
A Florida-based diver who faced felony charges for cutting a longline and releasing 19 sharks has received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Tanner Mansell, 31, of Jupiter, Florida, is among 16 individuals granted full pardons by Trump on May 28, 2023. Mansell and John Moore Jr. were initially convicted in 2020 for theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction after they cut a longline they believed to be part of an illegal fishing operation. Mansell described the incident as a moment of confusion, explaining that he and Moore encountered a buoy connected to a longline over a dive site and, thinking it was illegal, cut the line and released the sharks. Despite their efforts to report the situation to authorities, Mansell and Moore were convicted in 2020, although they avoided prison time. The felony convictions imposed restrictions on their voting rights, firearm ownership, and travel. Mansell expressed surprise at the unexpected pardon, which came after the case reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and drew attention from the Cato Institute. The White House granted the pardon, allowing Mansell to resume his work in shark conservation and restoring his voting rights and travel privileges.
Beyond the individual incident, the case highlights the complex intersection of conservation efforts and commercial fishing regulations. Mansell, who has long been an advocate for shark conservation, has faced a significant personal and legal challenge. He admitted that initially, he lost faith in the justice system, but the unexpected pardon has restored some of that trust.