Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 1332

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Animals

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2025-07-11T08:05:23Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Commerce (primarily through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) to create and manage a national program focused on sequencing the complete genetic blueprints (genomes) of various aquatic species. The goal is to improve scientific knowledge and support efforts to protect, manage, and enforce laws related to these species, such as fish, marine mammals, and other water-dwelling organisms.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment and Duties: The Secretary must set up a program to sequence genomes of aquatic species, working with various partners. Activities include:
• Identifying and listing verified specimens (physical samples confirmed by experts) from collections.
• Collecting or buying genetic samples from "priority species" (those needing urgent attention, like endangered fish or species linked to harmful algal blooms).
• Processing DNA in labs, including buying supplies and labor.
• Sequencing full genomes to high-quality standards, covering nuclear (main cell DNA), mitochondrial (energy-related), and chloroplast (plant-related) DNA where relevant.
• Storing and cataloging related data (metadata, like collection details).
• Publicly releasing genomes and data that aren't already available.
• Offering funding and technical help to partners.
• Following "FAIR" principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) for data management, based on a 2016 scientific guideline.
• Participation: Federal agencies, state governments, tribal governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, and universities ("covered entities") can join and perform these tasks.
• Data Sharing Requirements: Sequenced genomes, raw data, and metadata (e.g., species name, sample location and date, sequencing method) must be submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI, a public database) within 360 days of completion for open access. Tribal governments have sole control over releasing data from their sequencing or samples, respecting their sovereignty.
• Funding: Authorizes $2 million annually from fiscal years 2025 to 2031 to run the program.
• Definitions: Key terms include:
• "Priority species": Aquatic species whose genomes are missing or unavailable, such as endangered or threatened ones under the Endangered Species Act, invasive species, those in international trade treaties, indicators of water health, or culturally important to tribes.
• "Aquatic species of greatest conservation need": Species with declining populations, facing threats, or significant to tribes or Native Hawaiians.
• Broad definitions for states (including territories), tribes, nonprofits (tax-exempt under IRS rules), and higher education institutions.
• Effective Date: Takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces an entirely new federal program for aquatic genome sequencing, which does not appear to amend or replace prior laws directly. It builds on existing frameworks like the Endangered Species Act (for protections), Magnuson-Stevens Act (for fisheries management), and Marine Mammal Protection Act by adding genetic data tools to support them. It also incorporates data standards from broader scientific policies but creates specific mandates for public sharing and tribal exceptions not previously outlined in aquatic conservation statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Commerce (via NOAA) will lead implementation, coordinating with other federal bodies (e.g., USGS for invasive species data) and requiring new lab and data management resources. States, tribes, and territories may gain funding for participation, easing local conservation burdens.
• On Citizens: Improves public access to genetic data, potentially aiding research into seafood safety, ecosystem health, and biodiversity loss. Could indirectly benefit fishing communities and coastal residents by enhancing species management and reducing threats like harmful algal blooms (sudden overgrowths of algae that harm water quality and wildlife).
• On International Relations: Supports U.S. compliance with global treaties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) by providing data on traded aquatic species. Public genomes could foster international collaboration on marine conservation but might raise data-sharing concerns with foreign entities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Government Entities: Secretary of Commerce/NOAA (lead), other federal agencies (e.g., USGS, Interior Department), state environmental agencies, tribal governments (with data control rights), and Native Hawaiian organizations.
• Scientific and Educational Groups: Universities, nonprofits (e.g., conservation groups), and researchers who can access data and receive funding.
• Conservation and Industry Players: Wildlife managers, fisheries (under federal oversight), and those monitoring invasive or endangered species.
• Indigenous Communities: Tribes and Native Hawaiians, who influence priority species and control their data, ensuring cultural protections.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces open-access science by mandating public data release (except for tribes), aligning with federal transparency laws while creating enforceable timelines for sharing. The tribal exception upholds treaty obligations and self-determination under laws like the Indian Self-Determination Act, avoiding conflicts with federal preemption.
• Constitutional: No direct challenges; it promotes the general welfare through conservation (Article I, Section 8) and respects tribal sovereignty (rooted in treaties and the Commerce Clause for interstate waters).
• Political: Could advance bipartisan environmental goals by funding science-driven conservation without new regulations, but may spark debates over funding priorities in a tight budget. Emphasizes equity for underserved groups like tribes, potentially influencing future biodiversity policies amid climate change pressures.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-13: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (9 pages)