This bill proposes to transfer all functions related to anadromous species and catadromous species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) from the Secretary of Commerce and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Secretary of the Interior. Anadromous species spawn in fresh or estuarine waters and migrate to ocean waters, while catadromous species do the reverse. This jurisdictional shift aims to consolidate the management of these migratory fish under a single federal department. The legislation amends the ESA to explicitly define these species and designates the Secretary of the Interior as the responsible authority for them. It also allows for the reconsideration of certain administrative determinations made by NMFS within three years prior to the transfer date. Requests for reconsideration must be filed with the Department of the Interior within 365 days of the transfer's completion. Furthermore, the bill includes standard provisions to ensure a seamless transition, such as deeming references to the former department to now refer to the Department of the Interior. Existing legal documents, ongoing proceedings, and commenced lawsuits related to these functions will remain valid and continue under the new authority, preventing disruption during the transfer.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Environmental Protection
FISH Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-1894| House
| Updated: 3/6/2025
This bill proposes to transfer all functions related to anadromous species and catadromous species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) from the Secretary of Commerce and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Secretary of the Interior. Anadromous species spawn in fresh or estuarine waters and migrate to ocean waters, while catadromous species do the reverse. This jurisdictional shift aims to consolidate the management of these migratory fish under a single federal department. The legislation amends the ESA to explicitly define these species and designates the Secretary of the Interior as the responsible authority for them. It also allows for the reconsideration of certain administrative determinations made by NMFS within three years prior to the transfer date. Requests for reconsideration must be filed with the Department of the Interior within 365 days of the transfer's completion. Furthermore, the bill includes standard provisions to ensure a seamless transition, such as deeming references to the former department to now refer to the Department of the Interior. Existing legal documents, ongoing proceedings, and commenced lawsuits related to these functions will remain valid and continue under the new authority, preventing disruption during the transfer.