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What started as a marine conservation effort turned into a federal conviction for two Florida divers -- until a presidential pardon reversed their fate.

Two divers convicted in 2020 for interfering with a legal federal shark research operation were granted pardons by President Donald Trump in May, following years of legal and public attention highlighting the men’s environmental motives and misunderstanding of federal law, as Fox News reports.

In April 2020, Florida divers Tanner Mansell and John Moore Jr. were leading a recreational trip off the coast of Florida when they noticed something suspicious in the water -- a bright red buoy connected to a longline. Accompanied by the Kansas City police chief and a SWAT officer, they approached the line, assuming it could be trash or illegal fishing equipment. Longlines are long pieces of fishing gear strung with hooks, commonly used in deep-sea fishing.

The divers, believing they had found an unauthorized fishing setup, contacted law enforcement and later cut the line, releasing 19 sharks. Unbeknownst to them, the line was part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research project authorized by federal permits. Their well-intentioned act -- meant to save the sharks -- was interfering with a government operation.

Despite calling the Florida Wildlife Commission and NOAA’s hotline before taking action, both Mansell and Moore were eventually charged with theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction. They were convicted later that year. Though they avoided jail time, their sentencing included restitution payments, loss of civil rights such as voting and firearm ownership, and travel restrictions.

Environmental motive misunderstood by authorities

The judge who sentenced the divers recognized their commitment to environmental causes and handed down what Mansell’s attorney described as “probably the lowest sentence ever.” But the damage was already done -- the felony stayed on their records, marking them as criminals for an act they argued was rooted in ecological concern, not malice.

“We called [law enforcement], we did everything that we could,” Mansell said. “In our mind, we thought we were uncovering a crime rather than committing one.”

Over time, the case gained broader attention. A write-up by the Cato Institute -- focused on liberties and governmental overreach -- examined the legal circumstances and amplified the story to national audiences. One of the most significant boosts came when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit reviewed the case.

Federal judge questions legitimacy of charges

Judge Barbara Lagoa, reviewing the case, criticized prosecutors for pursuing charges in the first place. She noted that the divers had gone out of their way to notify authorities during the incident -- an unusual act for someone allegedly committing a crime. According to Mansell, Judge Lagoa said she had never come across a defendant who contacted law enforcement in real-time while breaking the law.

Meanwhile, Mansell continued to work as a conservationist, leading shark exhibitions and advocating ocean awareness, despite the legal burden labeling him a felon. “At first, I lost a lot of faith in the criminal justice system,” he said, “but now, a bit of that faith is restored.”

Then came an unexpected twist. In early May, the White House reached out to Mansell’s attorneys, requesting more details on the case. Days later, his attorney called him while he was boarding a flight: he had just received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

Presidential pardon reverses years of fallout

“I was speechless. I couldn’t even say thank you. I just soaked it in,” Mansell recalled. Though the felony technically remains on public record, the pardon fully restores his civil rights, from voting to gun ownership. Most importantly for Mansell, it helps streamline future travel so he can continue his oceanic conservation work more easily.

Attorney Ian Goldstein, who represented Mansell, stated, “These gentlemen made an honest mistake and were trying to save sharks from what they believed to be an illegal longline fishing setup. I can’t think of two individuals more deserving of a Presidential Pardon.”

Reflecting on the ordeal, Mansell said he’s gained perspective and grown from the experience. “I've learned so much through this process,” he added. “I’ve always tried to follow the law and respect law enforcement.”

Lessons to learn

1. Know your legal boundaries before acting, even when doing what feels morally right. Mansell and Moore contacted authorities, but still faced felony charges. It’s crucial to understand what constitutes legal interference, especially in situations involving government property.

2. Documentation and communication matter. The divers’ actions were documented and placed under scrutiny. The fact that they notified authorities helped their legal defense, even if it didn’t spare them from conviction at first. Always ensure you communicate with the proper agencies before taking action on possible crimes.

3. Recognize that outcomes don't always align with intentions. Despite acting out of a desire to protect marine life, the divers still faced severe penalties. Justice systems should account for motive, but unintended legal consequences can still follow. That said, crime can affect anyone regardless of caution, and nobody should be blamed for trying to protect others, especially the environment.

Why this story matters

This story highlights how even well-meaning actions can have legal consequences when misunderstood by the justice system. It also underscores the complex tensions between wildlife conservation and federal research practices.

For communities invested in marine life or civil justice, it’s a reminder of the importance of clarity and compassion in law enforcement.