SPEAR Act of 2025

This bill proposes to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exclude certain populations of the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Wisconsin from being listed as threatened or endangered. It specifically prohibits the Secretary from making such a determination for any lake sturgeon population within the state, thereby removing them from federal protection under the Act. The legislation asserts that Wisconsin's lake sturgeon, particularly in the Lake Winnebago system, are thriving due to successful state management and dedicated public-private collaboration. The bill highlights that Wisconsin has become a global leader in lake sturgeon management, with the Lake Winnebago system supporting one of North America's largest populations. An integral component of this comprehensive management plan is the annual sturgeon spearing season, which provides crucial data for population assessment and ensures sustainable harvest rates. This spearing season is also described as a unique cultural event, vital to local communities and businesses, and the bill aims to protect this tradition by allowing Wisconsin to continue its successful statewide management without federal intervention.