H.R. 2293: Cormorant Relief Act of 2025

The bill known as the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 focuses on the management of double-crested cormorants, a type of bird that can affect aquaculture facilities, which are places where aquatic animals are raised for food. The main objective of this bill is to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue specific regulations that allow for the controlled taking of these birds in certain situations.

Key Provisions

• Reissuing Regulations: The bill mandates the reissuance of an original regulatory order that permits the management (or taking) of double-crested cormorants, which had previously been specified in federal regulations.
• Applicable States: The regulations, once reissued, will now apply to a broader range of states. In addition to the states originally included in the regulations, the following states will also be covered:
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Wisconsin
• Inclusion of Lake and Pond Managers: The bill extends the provisions of the depredation order to lake managers and pond managers, allowing them similar rights to manage the bird populations impacting their private lakes and ponds.

Definitions

• Lake Manager: A person who is authorized by the state regulations to manage a private lake.
• Pond Manager: A person who is authorized by the state regulations to manage a private pond.
• Original Depredation Order: Refers to the specific federal regulations regarding the management of double-crested cormorants as they stood on January 1, 2016.
• Secretary: The Secretary of the Interior, who oversees the implementation of these regulations through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This bill aims to address concerns related to aquaculture operations by enabling the management of cormorant populations, thereby supporting the interests of those involved in fish farming and similar activities.

Relevant Companies

• MO - Altria Group, Inc.: Potentially impacted if fish farming operations experience losses due to cormorants affecting fish populations, which may affect the supply chain for their products.
• FLS - Flowserve Corporation: Could be impacted if aquaculture facilities look to expand their operations, which might increase the demand for water management systems.
• TSN - Tyson Foods, Inc.: As a significant player in the food supply chain, disruptions in aquaculture can affect the availability of fish products that may be referenced in their offerings.