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119-hr-2176119th CongressWALLET

Saving NEMO Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

Introduced

Summary

Protect coral reef species from collection and trade that harm reefs. The bill would create a federal rulebook that limits taking, importing, exporting, selling, and moving certain marine reef species to reduce harm to coral reef ecosystems.

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  • Families and coastal communities: The bill would reduce availability of certain reef fish and corals in interstate and international trade when those species are designated as covered coral reef species. Designations would initially include marine reef species listed in Appendix II of CITES unless the Interior finds no substantial sustainability risk within 90 days of inclusion.
  • Aquaculture, breeders, and researchers: Qualified aquaculture or mariculture facilities, cooperative breeding programs, and scientifically based management plans could continue production and trade if they meet strict standards and are certified by the relevant Secretary. Scientific, museum, and zoological work may proceed under authorizations.
  • Traders, fishers, and importers: The bill would create civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation and criminal penalties including up to 6 months imprisonment for general violations and up to 2 years for import/export crimes and false certifications. It would allow seizures, forfeiture, and private suits to stop violations, with a 60-day notice rule before lawsuits.

The law would take effect one year after enactment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Tough penalties and citizen lawsuits

One year after enactment, officers could search for and seize illegally taken or traded reef animals. Civil fines could be up to $25,000 per violation. Knowing violations could bring jail time up to 6 months, or up to 2 years for importers and exporters. False statements on import or export certificates could bring up to 2 years in jail and a ban on trading these species. Equipment and vessels used in crimes could be seized or forfeited. Anyone could sue in federal court to stop violations after giving 60 days’ notice; courts could award attorney and expert fees.

New rules for reef species trade

One year after enactment, trading covered reef species would largely be banned. You could not take, import, export, or sell them, and trying to do so would also be illegal. Some paths would stay open: approved management plans, qualified aquaculture or breeding programs, permitted science or zoo use, or allowed incidental take. Imports and exports would need a signed statement saying no destructive methods were used. Destructive methods like poison, explosives, or reef dredging would void any exception. To qualify, farms must sell only what they produce and stop escapes of animals or eggs.

How reef species get covered

One year after enactment, reef species on CITES Appendix II would be covered. If a species is added later, Interior and Commerce would have 90 days to find no substantial risk; if not, it would be covered. The agencies could also add species after public comment if trade risks the species or if many die in transport or captivity. They could remove a designation later if taking away coverage would not pose a substantial risk.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 3/18/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 4/17/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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