Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025
The Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025 would task the Secretary of Commerce with creating and operating a nationwide program to sequence the genomes of aquatic species. The program would work with a broad range of “covered entities” (federal, state, tribal, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, and higher education institutions) to identify priority species, collect samples, perform genome sequencing to established quality standards, and store associated metadata. A key feature is making sequencing data publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) within 360 days of sequencing, while Tribal Governments retain authority over whether and when to submit data they generate. The act also directs adherence to the FAIR data principles (data should be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and provides funding for the program ($2 million per year from FY2025 through FY2031). The program would also define and prioritize certain species as “priority species” for sequencing based on conservation need, management, and indigenous significance.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a program, led by the Secretary of Commerce, to sequence the genomes of aquatic species to support science, conservation, management, and enforcement.
- 2Requires activities including: cataloging vouchered specimens, obtaining genetic samples, DNA extraction, sequencing to reference standards (nuclear, mitochondrial, possibly chloroplast DNA), and collecting/storing associated metadata.
- 3Mandates public release of sequenced genomes and metadata through the NCBI within 360 days of sequencing, with a tribal government exception giving tribes exclusive authority over submission timing.
- 4Sets data-sharing principles aligned with the FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship.
- 5Provides funding: $2,000,000 per fiscal year from 2025 through 2031 to carry out the program.
- 6Defines broad categories for “covered entities” (federal, state, tribal governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofits, and colleges/universities) and specifies what counts as “priority species.”
- 7Effective date: the act would take effect 180 days after enactment.