Two men accused of burglarizing Marathon aquarium, removing 55-inch tarpon that died

Two men are accused of breaking into Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon and fishing in the aquarium’s enclosed lagoon in the early hours of May 25, 2025, removing a 55-inch tarpon that was later found dead, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and reporting by the Miami Herald.

Detectives say security-camera footage shows the pair entering the aquarium property through the mangroves of a neighboring business at about 2:50 a.m., fishing in the lagoon, and holding the tarpon for several minutes. The men photographed themselves with the fish, then threw it back into the lagoon, the sheriff’s office reported. Aquarium staff found the tarpon dead in the basin when they opened the next day, and an arrest report values the fish at $7,100.

Detectives identified the suspects as 25-year-old Derrick Lee Vivian of Fort Myers and 20-year-old Christopher Jeffrey Smith of Marathon in the Middle Keys. Detectives arrested Vivian on a warrant in November; “He is being represented by the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office, which does not comment on pending cases.” Detectives arrested Smith “on Wednesday.” “Information about his bond and legal representation was not immediately available.” The two men are each charged with burglary and illegally harvesting a tarpon.

The case touches on state protections for tarpon. As quoted in reporting, “Unless going for a state or world record, Florida law prohibits the removal from the water of a tarpon less than 40 inches in length.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes tarpon can reach lengths up to eight feet and weights up to 300 pounds, underscoring why they are treated as a legally protected game fish.

For Marathon and Monroe County, the incident carries both conservation and local-economy implications. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is a public-facing attraction and the loss of a high-value specimen, plus the publicity around an after-hours break-in, is likely to prompt a review of on-site security and insurance exposure. The arrest report’s $7,100 valuation provides a concrete figure that could factor into restitution or civil claims if prosecutors or the aquarium pursue damages.

The sheriff’s office has said it reviewed surveillance footage that reportedly identified the suspects; additional records such as the full arrest report and the footage itself have not been released publicly. Key details remain to be verified, including exact arrest dates and any additional charges.

For residents and businesses in the Keys, the episode highlights the intersection of wildlife protection and tourism assets. Expect local officials and the aquarium to face pressure to detail security improvements, and for state wildlife authorities to reiterate rules on protected game fish. Authorities continue to investigate, and further releases of arrest records or footage could clarify the timeline and any broader enforcement or regulatory follow-up.