Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025

H.R. 4033 would amend the Endangered Species Act to provide exemptions for farm-raised sturgeon that are legally held in captivity or controlled environments. Specifically, the bill would exempt these farmed sturgeon and their offspring from certain prohibitions and requirements under the Endangered Species Act, including restrictions on taking, harming, importing, exporting, and commercial sale. Holders of farmed sturgeon would need to demonstrate their fish qualify as legal, farmed sturgeon and maintain records upon request.

Proponents argue that regulated, sustainable aquaculture of sturgeon can reduce pressure on wild populations by providing legal alternatives to illegally harvested wild sturgeon, particularly for the caviar trade. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports the bill, noting that farmed sturgeon operations have a history of coexisting with wild populations. However, the bill has faced opposition from some wildlife conservation advocates who express concerns about broad exemptions for captive sturgeon. The bill is currently under committee consideration and has not yet been voted on by the full House.