Bill > S843

This bill establishes a new Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program within the Marine Mammal Protection Act, authorizing the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants specifically for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response efforts. The bill creates a dedicated Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund in the U.S. Treasury with $500,000 annually from 2025 to 2030. To be eligible for grants, organizations must have specific authorizations under the Endangered Species Act, comply with standard care conditions for captive sea turtles, and meet data reporting requirements like those of the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. The bill allocates an additional $5 million annually for the sea turtle grant program from 2025 to 2030, to be administered in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Grant recipients must follow specific criteria similar to existing marine mammal rescue grants, with particular emphasis on rehabilitating stranded sea turtles. This legislation aims to provide comprehensive support for sea turtle conservation and emergency assistance efforts across the United States.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/843/all-info