PRIA Logo™
119-s-843119th Congress

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Passed Senate

Summary

Creates a dedicated sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and rapid response grant program and rescue fund under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It sets eligibility rules, reporting requirements, and coordination between the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to speed rescue and rehab of stranded sea turtles.

Show full summary
  • Rescue organizations and rehabilitation centers can apply for grants for sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and rapid response. Applicants must hold Endangered Species Act authorizations or cooperative agreements, follow care standards for captive turtles, and meet Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network reporting rules.
  • The Secretary of Commerce will run the grant program in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rather than the Marine Mammal Commission. The program must prioritize rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles and follow the MMPA grant criteria.
  • The law creates two dedicated rescue funds including a Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund and authorizes $5.0 million per year for sea turtle grants plus $500,000 per year to each fund for fiscal years 2025–2030.

*Authorizes about $6.0 million per year for 2025–2030 (about $36.0 million total), increasing federal outlays by that amount.*

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Emergency funds for sea turtle rescues

The bill would set up two interest-bearing Treasury funds for emergency rescue and rapid response. One fund would be for marine mammals, and one would be for sea turtles. Each fund would be authorized to receive $500,000 per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2030. The Secretary would use this money only to provide emergency assistance for rescue and rapid response activities.

Grants for sea turtle rescue groups

If enacted, the government would create a new grant program for sea turtle rescue and rehab. The Secretary of Commerce, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, would award the grants. It would authorize $5 million each year from 2025 through 2030, and the money would stay available until spent. Applicants would need ESA permits or a section 6 cooperative agreement, follow Interior’s captive care standards when using facilities, and report data to the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network. Grant decisions would consider rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles, and awards would depend on annual appropriations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 3/4/2025

  • Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 11/20/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation