President Donald Trump has issued full and unconditional pardons to two South Florida shark divers, John Moore Jr. and Tanner Mansell, whose felony convictions for freeing marine animals off the Florida coast had drawn national scrutiny. The pair had been convicted in 2022 for removing a longline—used in a federal shark research program—and releasing 19 sharks and a goliath grouper, believing the gear had been illegally set.
The incident, which occurred in August 2020 near Jupiter Inlet, sparked intense legal and public debate. While the divers claimed they acted to protect marine life, federal authorities maintained that the longline belonged to a fisherman licensed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The case culminated in a federal jury conviction for theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction.
Legal Fallout and Public Backlash
Though they avoided jail time, Moore and Mansell were sentenced to one year of probation, ordered to pay $3,345 in restitution, and subjected to the full weight of a felony conviction—losing voting rights, gun ownership, and the ability to travel internationally. The ruling was widely criticized by conservationists and legal analysts as an example of overreach, given the divers’ intent.
The presiding judge at the time drew a parallel to Les Misérables, questioning whether the federal prosecution’s fervor mirrored Inspector Javert’s relentless pursuit of Jean Valjean. The case sparked conversations about prosecutorial discretion, environmental stewardship, and the criminalization of well-intentioned acts.
President Trump Grants Clemency
The pardons, signed by President Trump last Wednesday, wipe the slate clean for both men, reinstating their civil liberties and erasing their criminal records. According to attorneys, the White House reviewed extensive documentation asserting the divers’ motivations and the disproportionate consequences of their conviction.
“This case never should have been filed,” said Ian Goldstein, Mansell’s attorney. “These gentlemen made an honest mistake and were trying to save sharks from what they believed to be an illegal longline setup. I can’t think of two individuals more deserving of a Presidential Pardon.”
Divers Speak Out: “Justice Has Finally Prevailed”
In statements following the announcement, both men expressed deep relief and gratitude. “We never stopped fighting, and justice has finally prevailed,” said Moore’s attorney, Marc Seitles. “We are thrilled the White House considered our arguments and determined this was an unjust prosecution.”
Mansell added, “Whether people believe in his politics or not, President Trump chose to pardon me — somebody who deeply cares for the environment and only ever wanted to help.” The divers maintain they acted not for attention or protest but from a place of genuine concern for marine life and ecological balance.
Environmental Advocacy Versus Federal Regulation
The case illustrates the tension between individual environmental activism and strict federal regulation. Longlines are controversial even among marine researchers, with critics arguing they result in unnecessary suffering and bycatch. In this instance, however, the use of the line was sanctioned under a NOAA permit—raising questions about how laws should treat acts that fall in moral gray areas.
The divers’ actions were praised in some environmental circles, where they were viewed as courageous and compassionate. Others warned that such interventions, however well-meaning, can disrupt scientific research vital to protecting marine species in the long term.
Trump Presidential Pardons and Political Undertones
President Trump’s use of clemency powers has sparked debate, with past pardons ranging from political allies to lesser-known cases like that of Moore and Mansell. While some Trump pardons have been contentious, the decision to absolve the divers appears to have garnered bipartisan sympathy, particularly among environmentalists and legal reform advocates.
Legal experts note that this case is likely to be cited in future discussions about prosecutorial discretion and the bounds of federal enforcement. For Moore and Mansell, the pardon marks the end of a nearly four-year legal ordeal—and, they hope, the beginning of renewed public trust in their environmental work.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Lives and Reputations
Now free of their felony records, the divers are eager to resume their work in marine conservation. Both have expressed interest in using their story to advocate for reform in wildlife protection laws and greater clarity in federal research boundaries.
“Our goal was always to protect marine life, not to interfere with legitimate science,” Moore said. “We hope our case leads to more common-sense policy and a better understanding between citizens and government agencies working for the same cause—preserving our oceans.
