### Trump Grants Clemency to Divers Convicted for Freeing Sharks, Sparking Controversy - In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump pardoned two Florida divers, Tanner Mansell and John Moore Jr., who were convicted of theft for freeing 19 sharks and a giant grouper from a longline off the Florida coast. The divers believed they were acting to protect marine life, thinking the fishing line was illegal. Their conviction in 2022 had raised questions about the legality of their actions and the nature of marine conservation laws. The pardons, issued in early June 2025, have reignited discussions about government overreach and the complexities of wildlife protection laws [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-pardons-2-divers-who-freed-19-sharks-off-florida-coastons_n_683f0fb4e4b02a49cce71cdd]. ### Overview of the Case and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Incident**: - In August 2020, Mansell and Moore encountered a longline off the Jupiter Inlet, which they believed was being used illegally. They freed the sharks and grouper, reporting the incident to state wildlife officials [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-pardons-2-divers-freed-19-sharks-coast-florida-rcna210792]. 2. **Legal Proceedings**: - The divers were charged with theft under federal law, as the longline was owned by a licensed fisherman conducting research. They were convicted in 2022 but avoided prison time [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/02/trump-shark-divers-florida]. 3. **Presidential Pardon**: - The pardons were signed by Trump in late May 2025, with the divers expressing surprise and relief at the decision. They felt their actions were justified as they aimed to protect marine life [https://www.apnews.com/video/trump-pardons-2-divers-who-freed-19-sharks-off-the-coast-of-florida-4c8d38cd68b04395b4205701fb0630e4]. 4. **Public and Legal Reactions**: - The case has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing the pardons as a necessary correction to what they see as an overreach of legal authority in wildlife protection. Critics argue that the decision undermines the enforcement of fishing regulations [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-05/diver-convicted-of-freeing-sharks-off-florida-coast-says-he-was-surprised-by-presidential-pardon]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Case - **Conviction Details**: - The divers were convicted of theft for removing property (the longline) that was legally owned by a fisherman. Their defense centered on the belief that they were preventing illegal fishing [https://www.newsbreak.com/newsradio-wfla-500256/4035707468778-trump-pardons-florida-divers-who-freed-sharks-from-fishing-line]. - **Pardon Impact**: - The pardons have erased the divers' criminal records, allowing them to continue their work in marine conservation without the stigma of a felony conviction [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/jun/01/2-florida-shark-divers-receive-trump-pardons]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Intersection of Law and Conservation - **Key Findings**: - The pardons granted to Mansell and Moore highlight the tension between wildlife conservation efforts and legal frameworks governing fishing practices. - **1.** The divers acted with the intent to protect marine life, believing they were thwarting illegal fishing. - **2.** Their legal troubles stemmed from a misunderstanding of the ownership and legality of the fishing gear. - **3.** The presidential pardon reflects broader debates about the role of government in environmental protection and the interpretation of laws related to wildlife conservation. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in marine conservation and the legal ramifications that can arise from well-intentioned actions [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/05/29/trump-pardons-south-florida-shark-dive-charter-operators-convicted-of-fishing-gear-theft].