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Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

8/8/2025, 6:26 PM

Summary of Bill S 843

Bill 119 s 843, also known as the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program, is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of sea turtle conservation. The bill would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program specifically designed to provide assistance to organizations and individuals involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles.

The grant program would be focused on supporting efforts to rescue and care for injured or stranded sea turtles, as well as initiatives aimed at protecting sea turtle habitats and promoting public awareness of the importance of sea turtle conservation. The Secretary of Commerce would be responsible for overseeing the administration of the grant program and ensuring that funds are allocated in a fair and transparent manner.

Overall, Bill 119 s 843 seeks to provide much-needed support to those working to protect and preserve sea turtles, which are an important and vulnerable species. By establishing a dedicated grant program, the bill aims to enhance conservation efforts and promote the long-term survival of sea turtles in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 843

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include separate grants to rescue sea turtles. The grants must be used for

  • the recovery, care, or treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles;
  • responses to rescue stranded sea turtles;
  • the collection of data and samples from living or dead stranded sea turtles for scientific research or health assessments;
  • facility operating costs that are directly related to activities to assist sea turtles; or 
  • development of stranding network capacity where facilities do not exist or are sparse.

In addition, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund.

Current Status of Bill S 843

Bill S 843 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 4, 2025. Bill S 843 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 4, 2025.  Bill S 843's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 118. as of July 16, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 843

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
5
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 843

Primary Policy Focus

Animals

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 843

A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program.
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program.

Comments

Tru Foster profile image

Tru Foster

583

11 months ago

Excited for the new program! It will help save sea turtles. But not sure how it will impact me in the short term.

Khalil Proctor profile image

Khalil Proctor

625

11 months ago

I don't see why this is necessary.