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119-hr-3189119th Congress

Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

Introduced

Summary

Creates a U.S. framework to reestablish and protect albatrosses and petrels across U.S. lands and waters. The bill would authorize coordinated actions against invasive species, require fisheries bycatch reduction, and set up a U.S. Authority to implement the international Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Habitat work to protect seabirds

If enacted, federal agencies could protect and restore albatross and petrel habitat on land and at sea. They could control invasive species at breeding sites, develop management plans, and research pollutants and marine debris. Actions would use the best available science and follow other laws.

New rules for taking albatross and petrels

If enacted, taking a covered albatross or petrel would be illegal unless you have a permit or an exemption. The Interior Secretary could issue permits for science, education, reestablishment, traditional indigenous practices, salvage, and for incidental take during lawful work. Permits would be limited in area and time and could not risk a species’ favorable conservation status; breeding site access would require extra safeguards. Some actions would be exempt, including incidental take by Department of Defense personnel during military activities, certain sovereign vessels and aircraft, Coast Guard emergency responses, and bycatch that follows required bycatch‑reduction rules. The ban would apply on U.S. lands and waters and to U.S. vessels and nationals abroad.

Rules to cut bird bycatch at sea

If enacted, the Commerce and Interior Secretaries could write rules to prevent, minimize, or reduce harm to covered seabirds on U.S. lands and waters and by U.S. vessels abroad. They would need to consult each other, coordinate with the Coast Guard, and consult the National Science Foundation for Antarctica. They could use other laws, like the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and the Magnuson‑Stevens Act, to protect key marine habitat and reduce bycatch. The bill would also add this Act to the list of laws that define protected living marine resources under the driftnet moratorium law, which could strengthen protections tied to fishing practices.

Training and global cooperation on seabirds

If enacted, agencies could share information with fishers, scientists, local authorities, and the public about threats to these seabirds. They could train staff and partners and work with other countries to exchange data and expertise. The government could provide technical, training, and financial help to support the Agreement’s goals.

U.S. lead offices and regular reports

If enacted, Interior and Commerce would each name an office to jointly serve as the U.S. Authority under the international seabird Agreement. They would designate a U.S. Representative and a contact point and monitor activities that affect covered species. The Interior Secretary would report to Congress within one year after the Act’s effective date and every four years, listing covered species, their status in U.S. areas, actions taken, and actions still needed.

Enforcement powers and penalties for violations

If enacted, the Interior and Commerce Secretaries and the Coast Guard would enforce the bill, its rules, and permits. By agreement, they could use Coast Guard and State resources; authorized officers would have enforcement powers similar to other fish and bird protection laws, with matching penalties.

Most rules start 180 days after enactment

If enacted, most parts of the bill would take effect 180 days after it is signed. That is when prohibitions, permits, rulemaking, and report deadlines would start, unless another section sets a different date.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 5/5/2025

  • Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]

    HI • D

    Sponsored 10/28/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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