Cormorant Relief Act of 2025
Summary
The Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations concerning the taking of double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. This reissued order would expand the geographic scope and include lake and pond managers. The Act also requires the Secretary to renew the order every five years and clarifies that it does not waive compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to provide relief to aquaculture facilities experiencing losses due to cormorant predation. This could lead to reduced losses for aquaculture businesses and potentially lower prices for consumers. However, it may also raise concerns about the impact on cormorant populations and the broader ecosystem.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces economic losses for aquaculture facilities.
- May lead to more efficient aquaculture operations.
- Could result in a more stable supply of aquaculture products.
- Expansion of covered entities to include lake and pond managers provides broader protection.
- Modernization of recordkeeping requirements reduces administrative burden.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impact on double-crested cormorant populations.
- Possible disruption of natural ecosystems due to increased cormorant removal.
- Environmental concerns related to the taking of cormorants.
- May require increased monitoring and enforcement efforts.
- Potential conflicts with other environmental regulations or conservation efforts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities that affect interstate commerce, specifically aquaculture. The Act also respects the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. It does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).