H.R. 4033

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to allow certain activities to be conducted with respect to sturgeon held in captivity or in a controlled environment, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · June 17, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Fine · Committee: Committee on Natural Resources

Table of contents

• H.R. 4033
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Sturgeon held in captivity or controlled environments

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Sturgeon held in captivity or controlled environments

• Section 9(b) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 () is amended by adding at the end the following: 16 U.S.C. 1538(b)
  • (3) Sturgeon
    • (A) In general
      • Subsection (a)(1) and section 7(a)(2) shall not apply to—
        • (i) a sturgeon farmed that is legally held in captivity or in a controlled environment as of the date of enactment of this paragraph, until such time as the sturgeon is intentionally returned to a wild state; or
        • (ii) progeny of a sturgeon described in clause (i), until such time as the progeny is intentionally returned to a wild state.
    • (B) Demonstration; requirements
      • (i) Any person holding any sturgeon or progeny described in subparagraph (A) shall—
      • be able to demonstrate that the sturgeon or progeny qualifies as a sturgeon or progeny, as applicable, described in that subparagraph; and
      • maintain and submit to the Secretary, on request of the Secretary, such inventories, documentation, and records as the Secretary may, by regulation, require as being reasonably appropriate to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.
      • (ii) Requirements described in clause (i)(II) shall not unnecessarily duplicate the requirements of other rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary under this Act.