February 7, 2025
Mr. Wied (for himself, Mr. Grothman, and Mr. Tiffany) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exclude certain populations of the lake sturgeon from the authority of such Act.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations Act of 2025
or the SPEAR Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Exclusion of certain populations of lake sturgeon under Endangered Species Act of 1973
(a) Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
The lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Wisconsin, especially for the communities located on Lake Winnebago and the Winnebago System.
(2)
Through the staunch dedication and close public-private collaboration of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, the Sturgeon Advisory Committee, the Sturgeon Guard, and local fishing, sportsmen, and conservation groups, Wisconsin has become the global leader in lake sturgeon management.
(3)
As a result of these efforts and the development and implementation of a comprehensive management plan, the Lake Winnebago system is home to a thriving lake sturgeon population, one of the largest in North America, and the most successful sustainable sturgeon fisheries in the world.
(4)
An integral component of this management plan is the annual sturgeon spearing season that is meticulously managed and provides the data necessary, along with data from detailed spawning assessments, to maintain an accurate account of population levels needed and allowable maximum harvest rates to ensure the health and sustainability of the species.
(5)
Mandatory registration stations are established to collect detailed data on the length, weight, sex, and tag status of each harvested fish and ensure strict seasonal harvest caps are followed.
(6)
The spearing season has grown into a unique cultural event filled with strong traditions and community ties, drawing participants from throughout Wisconsin and many other States, and is crucial to the livelihoods of local communities and small businesses near the Winnebago System who rely on the annual season.
(7)
It is vital that this long-standing and cherished tradition be protected and that Wisconsin is allowed to continue its successful Winnebago System and statewide management of lake sturgeon.
(b) Exclusion from listing
Section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking The Secretary shall by regulation
and inserting Except as provided in paragraph (4), the Secretary shall by regulation
; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Applicability to lake sturgeon
The Secretary may not make a determination under this subsection that any population of the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in Wisconsin is threatened or endangered.