Summary of HR 207 - SHARKED Act of 2025

Overview

The SHARKED Act of 2025, formally titled the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act of 2025, aims to enhance the health of aquatic ecosystems through increased research, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement. The bill was introduced in the House on January 3, 2025, and has since passed the House and been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of the SHARKED Act is to:
- Promote the sustainability and health of aquatic systems.
- Foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.
- Enhance the understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the challenges they face.

Key Provisions

While the specific provisions of the bill are not detailed in the provided information, the following general themes can be anticipated based on the title and intent:
- Research Initiatives: Funding and support for scientific research focused on aquatic health.
- Knowledge Sharing: Mechanisms for disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, conservation groups, and the public.
- Dialogue Enhancement: Establishing forums or platforms for dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and community members to address aquatic health issues collaboratively.

Affected Parties

The SHARKED Act is likely to impact:
- Researchers and Scientists: Those involved in aquatic studies will benefit from increased funding and support.
- Conservation Organizations: Groups focused on preserving aquatic ecosystems will gain access to new resources and collaborative opportunities.
- Government Agencies: Federal and state agencies responsible for environmental protection and resource management will be engaged in the implementation of the bill's provisions.
- Local Communities: Communities that rely on healthy aquatic systems for their livelihoods and recreation will benefit from improved ecosystem health.

Legislative Timeline

• January 3, 2025: Bill introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• January 21, 2025:
  • The House debated the bill for 40 minutes.
  • The bill passed in the House by voice vote after a motion to suspend the rules.
  • A motion to reconsider was laid on the table without objection.
• January 22, 2025: The bill was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by:
- Robert J. Wittman (Primary Sponsor)
- Daniel Webster (Cosponsor)
- Byron Donalds (Cosponsor)
- Darren Soto (Cosponsor)
- Marc A. Veasey (Cosponsor)

Related Legislation

The SHARKED Act has a companion bill, S 2314, which is likely to address similar themes and objectives in the Senate.

This summary provides a concise overview of the SHARKED Act of 2025, outlining its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and legislative progress.