Austin News

Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts have reintroduced the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, aiming to establish funding through the Department of Commerce for sea turtle rescue, recovery, and research across the United States. The bill is intended to address the increasing number of sea turtle strandings, particularly along the Texas Gulf Coast.

"Sea turtle strandings are rising at an alarming rate along the Texas Gulf Coast," stated Senator Cornyn. "This bill would help identify the causes of these strandings and invest in rescue and recovery efforts to better protect Texas’ endangered and storied sea turtle population."

Senator Markey emphasized the environmental challenges facing sea turtles: "Sea turtles are the canaries in the coal mine. Right now, every known species of sea turtles found in US waters is either threatened or endangered and faces extinction and environmental wipeout due to the human-caused climate crisis. We have the responsibility to act."

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support from Senators Chris Van Hollen, Lindsey Graham, Cory Booker, and Tom Tillis. Representative Bill Keating introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this year.

The background highlights a significant rise in stranded sea turtles over recent years, with Cape Cod seeing numbers increase from fewer than 50 in 2000 to 866 by 2022. During a cold snap in Texas in 2021, over 12,100 turtles were cold-stunned; only about a third were successfully rescued.

Rescue operations are mainly volunteer-led but face funding shortages despite growing threats such as rapid temperature changes and marine debris entanglement. The proposed act would establish a grant program providing $5 million annually from 2025 through 2030 for rescue efforts.

Several organizations endorse this act, including major aquariums and conservation groups like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Vikki N. Spruill from New England Aquarium noted its importance: “We are grateful for Sen. Markey’s continued partnership as he reintroduces the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 in the U.S. Senate.”

John Racanelli from National Aquarium highlighted financial sustainability issues faced by voluntary contributors: “The level of voluntary contribution from stranding network partners is not sustainable." Dan Ashe from Association of Zoos and Aquariums added that "This bipartisan Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act would help to fill a critical gap in support for these federally protected sea turtles.”