H.R. 2176: Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025

This proposed legislation, known as the "Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025," aims to protect certain marine reef species by establishing regulations around their collection, import, export, and trade in the United States. Here is a breakdown of key components of the bill:

Designation of Covered Coral Reef Species

The bill tasks the Secretary of the Interior with designating specific marine reef species as "covered coral reef species." This designation includes:

• Any species listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
• Any species deemed to pose a substantial risk to their sustainability or ecosystem by both the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce.

Prohibitions

The legislation makes it unlawful for any person to:

• Take individual covered coral reef species from U.S. waters.
• Import or export these species from or to the United States.
• Possess, sell, or transport these species obtained in violation of the law.
• Attempt any of the above actions.

Exceptions

There are specific exceptions to these prohibitions, which include:

• Species taken under scientifically-based management plans approved by the appropriate Secretary.
• Products from cooperative breeding programs or aquaculture facilities that meet established criteria.
• Authorized actions for scientific, museum, or zoological purposes.
• Takes that comply with permits equivalent to incidental take permits under the Endangered Species Act.

However, these exceptions do not apply to species obtained through destructive collection practices, which include methods that are harmful to marine ecosystems, such as explosives or poisons.

Enforcement and Penalties

The bill allows for various forms of enforcement, including:

• Civil penalties up to $25,000 for violations.
• Criminal penalties for knowing violations, potentially including fines and imprisonment.
• The ability for the Attorney General to seek injunctive relief in court for violations.

Citizen Actions

The legislation also permits individuals to initiate civil actions against violators of the prohibitions established by the bill, given certain conditions are met.

Definitions

Several key terms are explicitly defined within the bill, including:

• Covered coral reef species: Refers to species designated under the law.
• Destructive collection practice: Specifies harmful methods of collection which are prohibited.
• Qualified aquaculture facilities: Facilities that adhere to strict operational standards to ensure conservation.

Effective Date

The provisions within the bill would take effect one year after its enactment.

Relevant Companies

• None found