Saving NEMO Act of 2025
Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025 (Saving NEMO Act of 2025) would create a new framework to protect certain marine reef species, specifically designated “covered coral reef species.” The designations would be led by the Secretary of the Interior, with joint involvement from the Secretary of Commerce for foreign matters. Initially, species already listed in Appendix II of CITES (the international wildlife trade treaty) would be designated, and additional species could be added if the agencies determine there is substantial risk to their sustainability or to the coral reef ecosystem, or if they face high mortality in transport or captivity. The bill broadly prohibits taking, importing, exporting, or moving these species in interstate or foreign commerce, with a suite of exceptions aimed at conservation, permitted scientific work, breeding programs, and certain aquaculture activities. It also targets and bans destructive collection practices (such as reef dredging, explosives, poisons) and creates a civil/criminal enforcement regime with penalties, seizures, and citizen suits. The act would take effect one year after enactment. Sponsor and status indicate it was introduced in the House by Mr. Case (with Mr. Huffman) and referred to multiple committees. The bill would significantly shape how U.S. actors interact with certain coral reef species, emphasizing conservation and controlled trade, while permitting limited, regulated activities under specified conditions.
Key Points
- 1Designation and scope of covered coral reef species
- 2- The Secretary of the Interior must designate as covered coral reef species any marine reef species listed in Appendix II of CITES, both on and after the act’s effective date, subject to a 90-day interagency review if necessary. The designation can be removed if there is no substantial risk to sustainability, with Commerce consulted for certain cases.
- 3Prohibition on taking and trade
- 4- It is unlawful to take, import, export, or possess, sell, purchase, deliver, or receive a covered coral reef species in interstate or foreign commerce, or to attempt any of these acts.
- 5Exceptions (permissible activities)
- 6- Destruction-free, qualified scientifically-based management plans.
- 7- Products from qualified cooperative breeding programs.
- 8- Products from qualified aquaculture or mariculture facilities.
- 9- Activities authorized by the Secretary of Commerce for scientific purposes, or by the Interior for import/export related to scientific, museum, or zoological display purposes.
- 10- Incidental take permits under the Endangered Species Act, or equivalent foreign permits.
- 11- Destructive collection practices prohibited; exceptions do not apply if the take was through destructive methods or lacking proper certification.
- 12Destructive collection and certification safeguards
- 13- The bill defines destructive collection practices and requires certifications confirming no destructive practices were used for imports/exports.
- 14Enforcement and penalties
- 15- Civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation; consideration of violation nature, value of the individual, prior violations, and other factors.
- 16- Criminal penalties for willful violations; higher penalties for importers/exporters acting as businesses; false certifications carry penalties and potential import/export prohibitions.
- 17- Civil actions, seizures and forfeitures, and possible rewards for information leading to enforcement.
- 18- Authorized searches and seizures by designated officers; forfeiture of individuals and equipment used in violations.
- 19Citizen suits and government role
- 20- Private individuals may sue to enjoin violations, with federal district courts having jurisdiction; the Attorney General may intervene on the United States’ behalf.
- 21- The act provides for court costs recovery and ensures injunctive relief does not preclude other remedies under law.
- 22Definitions and scope details
- 23- Includes definitions for appropriate secretary, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), destructive collection practices, and the concept of a “qualified” facility or program.
- 24- American Samoa is treated as within the District of Hawaii for enforcement purposes.
- 25Effective date
- 26- The act becomes effective one year after enactment.