HR6053-119

What This Bill Does

The SGLF Act of 2025 amends the Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 by adding a new section 6A on invasive species of mussels. In carrying out U.S. obligations under the Great Lakes fisheries convention, the United States Section is authorized to develop efforts to combat invasive mussel species in coordination with federal agencies, interstate compacts, and Tribal, State, and local governments. The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, and the Secretary of Commerce, acting through NOAA, must assist the United States Section. The bill authorizes $500 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2035, allows appropriated amounts to be made available to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and states that those funds are in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated under section 13.

Who Benefits and How

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission and its United States Section benefit from explicit authority and funding to combat invasive mussels. Great Lakes fisheries benefit if coordinated mussel control protects aquatic ecosystems and fishery resources. Tribal, State, and local Great Lakes resource managers benefit from a coordinated federal framework for invasive mussel response. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and NOAA programs benefit from clearer roles in supporting the Commission's invasive mussel work. Commercial and recreational Great Lakes fishing communities benefit if invasive mussel impacts are reduced.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Interior and Commerce agencies must assist the United States Section with developing invasive mussel efforts. Federal agencies, interstate compacts, and Tribal, State, and local governments must coordinate on response planning and implementation. Federal taxpayers bear the cost of the $500 million authorization for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. Great Lakes Fishery Commission administrators must manage any additional funds made available under the new section.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the United States Section to develop efforts to combat invasive mussel species.
• Requires coordination with federal agencies, interstate compacts, and Tribal, State, and local governments.
• Requires assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and NOAA.
• Authorizes $500 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
• Provides that the new funds may be made available to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and are in addition to existing funding.