H.R. 2176 — Saving NEMO Act of 2025

This section requires the Secretary of the Interior to designate as covered coral reef species (i.e., marine reef species) those listed in CITES Appendix II as of enactment (or added later, unless jointly determined with the Secretary of Commerce within 90 days not to pose substantial risk to sustainability or coral ecosystems) and any others the Secretaries jointly determine, after public comment, present such risks or result in high mortality from transport or captivity; the Interior Secretary may remove designations after consultation or jointly if risks abate. It prohibits taking covered coral reef species in U.S. waters, importing or exporting them, or possessing, selling, delivering, carrying, transporting, or receiving them in interstate or foreign commerce if taken or imported in violation, subject to exceptions for activities under qualified scientific management plans, cooperative breeding programs, aquaculture or mariculture facilities (as determined by the appropriate Secretary); scientific, museum, or zoological purposes; or applicable ESA incidental take permits (16 U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)(B)) or equivalent foreign permits—but not for destructive collection practices or uncertified imports/exports. It authorizes civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation (considering violation nature, species value, prior violations, and other factors); criminal penalties of fines, up to 6 months imprisonment (or 2 years for business importers/exporters or false certifications under exceptions), or both; civil actions for injunctive relief; and rewards from penalties for informants.