Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

This legislation amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to significantly expand support for sea turtle conservation efforts. It mandates the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a new grant program specifically for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and response. This program will operate similarly to existing marine mammal grants but with specific criteria tailored for sea turtles, including consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

To ensure dedicated funding, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund within the Treasury, alongside an existing fund for marine mammals. Entities applying for these grants must be authorized under the Endangered Species Act and comply with specific care, maintenance, and data reporting requirements, such as the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. The bill authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 annually for the grant program and $500,000 annually for the rapid response fund for fiscal years 2025 through 2030, with funds remaining available until expended.