H.R. 2293 — Cormorant Relief Act of 2025

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to reissue the original depredation order authorizing the take of double-crested cormorants (i.e., without a permit) at aquaculture facilities (previously codified at 50 C.F.R. § 21.47, as in effect on January 1, 2016, and expired June 30, 2014). The reissued order (1) expands applicability to aquaculture facilities in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin (in addition to the original states), any other state or territory the Secretary determines appropriate, and state-licensed lake and pond managers (in addition to original entities); (2) incorporates modern terminology; (3) simplifies compliance provisions related to other federal laws; (4) modernizes recordkeeping requirements; and (5) removes the June 30, 2014, expiration date. The section further requires the Secretary to renew the order at least every five years and clarifies that it does not waive National Environmental Policy Act or Migratory Bird Treaty Act obligations.