Trump Pardons South Florida Divers Convicted for Freeing Sharks From Research Longline

Believing the fishing line was illegal, the two men freed the sharks and a grouper, reported it to state wildlife officials, and brought the line back to shore.

President Donald Trump waves to members as the press as he walks to board Marine One at the White House on May 30, 2025. Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images via AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump has granted full and unconditional pardons to two shark divers who were convicted of theft after releasing 19 sharks and a giant grouper from a research longline off the coast of Jupiter, Florida.

The pardons, signed Wednesday, clear the records of Tanner Mansell and John Moore Jr., who were found guilty in 2022 of theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction, according to pardon documents from the U.S. Department of Justice.