A Florida shark diver, Tanner Mansell, received an unexpected pardon from President Trump, leaving him stunned. This surprising turn of events came on May 28, almost five years after Mansell was accused of unintentionally freeing marine wildlife during a research mission off the coast of Florida.
Mansell, 31, and his charter boat captain, John Moore Jr., were convicted in 2022 for cutting a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) longline, which led to the release of 19 sharks and a giant grouper back into the ocean. Mansell described his reaction to the pardon, saying he was speechless when his lawyer called to share the news. “I couldn’t even say thank you. I just soaked it in,” he recalled.
The legal trouble started in August 2020 when Mansell and Moore came across a longline attached to a buoy about three miles from Jupiter Inlet. Believing it to be illegal, they cut the line, thinking they were helping to protect marine life. They reported their actions to state wildlife officials and returned the line to shore, but federal charges followed. In 2022, a jury found them guilty of theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction, resulting in a restitution order of over $3,300.
Although they avoided prison time, the conviction had serious consequences. It restricted their voting rights in Florida, limited their ability to own firearms, and hindered Mansell’s travel for conservation work. Mansell expressed his deep appreciation for the pardon, stating, “I’m just so grateful. Words can’t explain it.” He emphasized that he has always considered himself a law-abiding citizen and respects law enforcement and commercial fishermen.
Mansell’s attorney, Ian Goldstein, argued that the case should never have been filed, framing it as an honest mistake made by individuals trying to save endangered sharks. Goldstein stated, “I can’t think of two individuals more deserving of a Presidential Pardon.”
This unexpected pardon not only restores Mansell’s rights but also allows him to continue his conservation efforts without legal obstacles. The story highlights the complexities of environmental law and the challenges faced by those who act with good intentions in protecting marine life.