Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2025; MAWS Act of 2025
Summary
The Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act of 2025 (MAWS Act of 2025) directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a pilot program for the sale of blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This program aims to mitigate the impact of blue catfish, an invasive species, and support local watermen by providing a market for their catch. The Act authorizes $2,000,000 per fiscal year for the duration of the pilot program, which runs from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029.
Expected Effects
The MAWS Act will likely create a temporary economic boost for watermen in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by providing a financial incentive to catch blue catfish. It may also lead to a reduction in the blue catfish population, potentially benefiting other species and the overall ecosystem. The pilot program will also generate data on the effectiveness of this approach for managing invasive species.
Potential Benefits
- Provides economic support to watermen in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
- Aims to control the population of blue catfish, an invasive species.
- Generates data and policy recommendations for managing aquatic invasive species.
- Supports local seafood processors and manufacturing businesses.
- Potentially improves the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program is limited to a specific geographic area and timeframe.
- The authorized funding may not be sufficient to significantly impact the blue catfish population.
- The program's success depends on the participation of watermen and seafood processors.
- There may be unintended consequences on other species in the ecosystem.
- The 15% allowance for transportation costs may not be sufficient.
Constitutional Alignment
The MAWS Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. The Act addresses interstate commerce by regulating the sale and processing of blue catfish, an activity that can impact multiple states within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Additionally, the Act's focus on supporting watermen and mitigating the impact of an invasive species could be argued to promote the general welfare, as mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).