Senator Rick Scott has reintroduced the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act, aiming to offer more flexibility for American farmers involved in sturgeon operations. The bill seeks to clarify the distinction between captive-bred sturgeon populations, which are reported as thriving in the United States through fish farms and aquariums, and wild populations of the same species. The legislation is designed to ensure that farmers can continue their work without facing penalties while still adhering to the goals of the Endangered Species Act.
The act would exempt captive-bred sturgeon from certain federal restrictions intended for endangered species, a measure Scott argues is necessary after previous decisions by federal authorities caused difficulties for those raising non-native and hybrid sturgeons.
“For years, I have heard from Florida farmers about how the Biden’s reckless decision to classify non-native and hybrid sturgeon as endangered species created chaos. Farmers raising certain sturgeons’ species are being forced to care for thousands of fish that can live to 100 years – unable to sell, harvest, or relocate them without facing jail time or ridiculous fines. The Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act fixes that by exempting captive-bred sturgeon species in the U.S. which have thriving populations, and wild populations of the same species so we can continue our preservation efforts while preventing an unnecessary burden on our farmers. I look forward to getting this bill passed in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, led by my friend, Congressman Randy Fine, and signed into law by President Trump – who understands that we can work to both protect our environment and support the success of American businesses,” said Senator Rick Scott.
Congressman Randy Fine is leading similar legislation in the House of Representatives. He said, “I am proud to fight for small businesses in the 6th Congressional District. That’s why, when a small aquaculture business told me the federal government was trying to shut them down because they couldn’t understand the difference between farm-raised and wild fish, I had to act. Now, I’ve filed the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act under the leadership of Senator Rick Scott, which will allow these small businesses to grow and prosper.”
The proposal highlights ongoing discussions over how best to balance environmental protection with economic interests within aquaculture industries.
