Bill > S843

This bill, titled the "Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025," amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to establish a dedicated grant program for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will administer these grants, which will have similar criteria and administrative requirements to existing marine mammal grants but will be specifically for sea turtles. Eligible entities must be authorized under the Endangered Species Act for sea turtle activities, comply with care standards for captive sea turtles, and adhere to data reporting requirements like the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. The bill also creates a new "Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund" and authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2025 through 2030 for the sea turtle grant program, and $500,000 annually for the dedicated sea turtle fund during the same period, to ensure emergency assistance is available for stranded or injured sea turtles.

Transportation and Infrastructure

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