Summary

Exempts certain sturgeon held in captivity or other controlled environments (and their progeny) from specified prohibitions and agency consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act while they remain in captivity or until intentionally returned to the wild. Persons who hold these sturgeon must show they are qualified and keep inventories, documentation, and other records required by the Secretary, but the Secretary must avoid requiring records that unnecessarily duplicate existing ESA rules.

• Creates an exclusion for certain captive sturgeon and their progeny from specific ESA prohibitions and federal consultation duties while in captivity or a controlled environment.
• The exclusion lasts while animals are in captivity or controlled environments or until intentionally returned to the wild.
• Holders must demonstrate they are qualified to keep the sturgeon and must maintain inventories, documentation, and records as required by the Secretary.
• The Secretary will set recordkeeping and qualification rules by regulation, with instructions to avoid unnecessary duplication of existing ESA paperwork.
• The change applies only to covered animals in captivity and does not alter protections for wild sturgeon once returned to natural waters.
• No new funding, appropriations, or explicit enforcement penalties are specified in the text provided.
• Federal agencies' consultation obligations under the cited ESA provision are limited with respect to the covered captive animals.
• Implementation depends on forthcoming regulations that will define eligibility, documentation standards, and what counts as a controlled environment.