S.1529 - Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1529, the Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025, aims to prohibit federal agencies from authorizing or facilitating commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without explicit authorization from a federal statute enacted after the bill's enactment. The bill defines 'finfish' and 'commercial finfish aquaculture' to clarify its scope. It was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Booker and Mr. Sullivan and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to place stricter regulations on commercial finfish aquaculture in the EEZ. This could potentially limit the expansion of such operations unless specifically authorized by future legislation. It could also lead to increased scrutiny and debate regarding the environmental and economic impacts of finfish aquaculture.
Potential Benefits
- Potential protection of wild fish populations and marine ecosystems from the potential negative impacts of finfish aquaculture, such as pollution and disease.
- May support the interests of traditional fishing industries by limiting competition from aquaculture.
- Could encourage more sustainable aquaculture practices if future legislation is required to authorize such operations.
- Provides greater Congressional oversight of aquaculture activities in federal waters.
- May lead to increased public awareness and debate about the environmental and economic trade-offs of aquaculture.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential limitation on the growth of the aquaculture industry, which could hinder domestic seafood production.
- May increase reliance on imported seafood if domestic aquaculture is restricted.
- Could stifle innovation and investment in sustainable aquaculture technologies.
- May negatively impact coastal communities that rely on aquaculture for economic development.
- Could lead to legal challenges and uncertainty regarding the scope of the prohibition.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes. The EEZ falls under federal jurisdiction, allowing Congress to regulate activities within it. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific 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).