Keep Finfish Free Act

Summary#

This bill, the Keep Finfish Free Act of 2025, stops federal agencies from issuing permits or taking other actions to authorize or help commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone established by Proclamation 5030 (March 10, 1983). The prohibition applies unless a federal statute enacted after this Act specifically authorizes those actions. The bill defines "finfish" as aquatic finfish at any life stage and excludes amphibians, seaweeds or other algae, and invertebrates including shellfish. It defines "commercial finfish aquaculture" as activities to breed, rear, or attempt to breed or rear finfish in captivity or under positive control for commercial purposes.

What it means for you#

  • Federal agencies: Under this bill, agencies may not issue permits or take other actions to authorize or facilitate commercial finfish aquaculture in the Exclusive Economic Zone unless Congress later passes a new federal statute that allows it.
  • Aquaculture businesses or investors: The bill would bar agency authorization of commercial finfish farms in the Exclusive Economic Zone unless a new statute is enacted after this Act.
  • General public and coastal communities: The bill would keep commercial finfish aquaculture in the Exclusive Economic Zone off-limits to agency permitting unless Congress provides explicit, later authorization.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text states its effect: to prohibit federal agencies from authorizing or facilitating commercial finfish aquaculture in the Exclusive Economic Zone except where a later federal statute authorizes such action. The bill was introduced by Senators Cory Booker and Dan Sullivan and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.