H.R. 4800: Fisheries Modernization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Fisheries Modernization Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend eligibility for fishery resource disaster relief to certain freshwater fisheries. Here are the main aspects of the bill:

Changes to Eligibility for Disaster Relief

• The bill adds "infrastructure-related cause" as a reason for disaster relief, alongside existing causes such as discrete anthropogenic events. An infrastructure-related cause is defined as an event that results from the operation or failure of federal or state infrastructure, including:
  • Flood control systems
  • Spillways
  • Levees
  • Diversions
• This change means that disruptions to commercial or subsistence fishery activities, aquatic habitats, or water quality caused by infrastructure issues can now qualify for disaster assistance.

Specific Fisheries Mentioned

• The bill specifies that disaster relief can also apply to the red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) and white river crawfish (Procambarus zonangulus) fisheries.
• It includes requirements for information related to hydrological conditions, water quality degradation, extreme flooding or drought, and other environmental disruptions that impact the viability of these fisheries.

General Provisions

• The bill clarifies that nothing within these amendments would limit or reduce the eligibility of marine or anadromous fisheries for disaster assistance under the existing fishery resource disaster relief provisions.

Impact on Existing Legislation

• The bill revises specific language and designations within the existing Magnuson-Stevens Act, such as reclassifying certain subparagraphs and adding new clauses regarding disaster assistance criteria.

Conclusion

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that certain freshwater fisheries, particularly those affected by infrastructure failures, receive the necessary assistance during disaster situations.

Relevant Companies

• None found