Congressman Ken Calvert has reintroduced the Federally Integrated Species Health (FISH) Act, designated as H.R. 1894. The proposed legislation aims to consolidate the management and regulation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) concerning anadromous species under the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Currently, ESA authority is divided between FWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Rep. Calvert stated, “The FISH Act will benefit species and Americans trying to comply with the Endangered Species Act by having a single federal agency manage all species.” He added that this consolidation would lead to better results for both species and those complying with ESA regulations.
Deven Upadhyay, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, expressed support for the bill, saying, “California’s water delivery system and its fisheries would benefit from having a single federal agency responsible for anadromous species management to help avoid conflicting regulations from multiple agencies.”
David Guy, President of Northern California Water, highlighted ongoing efforts in California’s Sacramento Valley: “To continue our important recovery partnerships with federal and state agencies in an effective and affordable manner, having the federal fish and wildlife agencies within a unified federal agency will provide for better communications.”
Roger Cornwell, Board President of Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, praised Rep. Calvert’s commitment: “By consolidating authority within the Department of Interior, the FISH Act will enhance our ability to implement effective conservation measures.”
Federico Barajas, Executive Director of San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, also supported the legislation: “The FISH Act will improve ESA implementation by giving a single agency the responsibility of implementing the Act.”
Currently administered by FWS and NMFS under different departments—Interior for terrestrial organisms through FWS and Commerce for marine wildlife via NMFS—the ESA’s responsibilities are split. The FISH Act proposes transferring NMFS’ responsibilities regarding anadromous and catadromous species to FWS.
