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Protecting Seabed: New Designated Zones for Bottom Trawling Fishing.

This Act establishes new rules for bottom trawling to protect vulnerable marine habitats, such as deep-sea corals and sponges. It requires fishery management councils to define "substantial bottom contact" and then designate specific Bottom Trawl Zones (BTZs) based on historical fishing activity. Crucially, once these zones are established, bottom trawling will be prohibited everywhere outside of the designated BTZs, significantly restricting this fishing method.
Key points
Bottom trawling will only be allowed within newly designated "Bottom Trawl Zones" (BTZs); use outside these zones will be banned.
Areas containing deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems or existing protected fish stock areas cannot be designated as BTZs.
Regional Councils must first define what constitutes "substantial bottom contact" for fishing gear to ensure clear enforcement of the new rules.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8507
Sponsor: Rep. Peltola, Mary Sattler [D-AK-At Large]
Process start date: 2024-05-22
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Bottom Trawl Clarity Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_8507.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-05-22.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Bottom trawling will only be allowed within newly designated "Bottom Trawl Zones" (BTZs); use outside these zones will be banned.
  • Areas containing deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems or existing protected fish stock areas cannot be designated as BTZs.
  • Regional Councils must first define what constitutes "substantial bottom contact" for fishing gear to ensure clear enforcement of the new rules.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Peltola, Mary Sattler [D-AK-At Large].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Environment Agriculture