Dynasty Marine Associates Inc

Dynasty Marine Associates in Marathon, Florida operates as a marine life wholesaler serving the aquarium industry, situated in the heart of the Florida Keys. The company specializes in collecting and supplying saltwater marine species to commercial clients, including aquariums and industry buyers, rather than functioning as a traditional retail fish store open to hobbyist walk-ins. Reviews from industry partners describe the staff as pleasant and helpful, with some suppliers expressing gratitude for the working relationship.

A few reviewers praise the company's fish care standards and describe them as great people to work with. The Marathon location positions them with direct access to Florida's rich marine ecosystems, which forms the backbone of their collection operations. However, Dynasty Marine has become deeply controversial in recent years.

A significant portion of reviews reference the company's involvement in capturing wild manta rays from Florida waters — specifically from Panama City Beach — for export to facilities like SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Multiple reviewers report that at least one of the captured manta rays died while in the company's care, and critics argue that the practice of removing rare and intelligent marine megafauna from their natural habitats for commercial display is harmful rather than conservation-oriented. These concerns have drawn substantial public backlash, with several reviewers urging boycotts.

The business exists in a complicated space: it serves a legitimate role in the saltwater aquarium supply chain, providing marine specimens and livestock to the broader industry, and some professional clients speak highly of their service. But the manta ray controversy has cast a long shadow over its reputation, raising serious ethical questions about the scope of its collection practices. Anyone considering doing business with Dynasty Marine should be aware of both its wholesale capabilities and the significant public debate surrounding its large marine animal capture operations in Florida waters.