Saving NEMO Act of 2025

This bill protects coral reef wildlife by creating a list of “covered coral reef species” and setting strict rules for how they can be taken and traded. The list must include reef species already listed under an international wildlife trade treaty (CITES), and can add other reef species that are at risk or that often die during transport or in captivity.

It would be illegal to catch or collect these species in U.S. waters, or to import, export, sell, or transport them if they were taken or imported illegally. Limited exceptions apply for approved science-based management plans, cooperative breeding programs, qualified aquaculture or mariculture, and for museum, research, or zoological breeding or display with government authorization. Destructive collection methods are not allowed, and importers and exporters must certify that animals were not collected that way.

Breaking the law can bring civil fines up to $25,000 per violation and criminal penalties (up to 6 months in jail, or up to 2 years for importers or exporters). Making false statements in required certifications can lead to up to 2 years in jail and a ban on importing or exporting these species. Authorities can search and seize animals and the gear or vehicles used, and they may pay rewards for tips that lead to enforcement. People can file lawsuits to stop violations after giving 60 days’ notice. The law would take effect one year after it is enacted.

Key points:

• Who is affected: fishers and collectors in U.S. waters; importers, exporters, and sellers of listed reef species; research, museum, and zoological programs; qualified aquaculture/mariculture operations.
• What changes: a federal list of protected reef species; bans on catching, importing, exporting, and selling them (with limited exceptions); bans on destructive collection; certification rules; stronger enforcement, fines, and possible jail time.
• When: starts one year after the law is enacted.