Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8195
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T08:06:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, titled the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026, requires the Secretary of the Interior (through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) to create regional plans for managing double-crested cormorants—a bird species (Nannopterum auritum)—to control overabundant populations while keeping breeding numbers sustainable. The goal is to address negative effects on fisheries, vegetation, other birds, human health/safety, water quality, and endangered species.
Key Provisions
- Development of Frameworks: Within 180 days of enactment, create one management framework per region (Atlantic, Central, Mississippi, Pacific Flyways), using existing data and coordinating with Regional Flyway Councils.
- Framework Requirements:
- Maintain sustainable breeding populations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Specify allowed hunting/capture/killing methods ("take") and time periods.
- Authorize takers: state/Tribal agencies, licensed hunters, lake/pond managers (state-licensed for private waters).
- Allow states/Tribes to implement actions.
- Consider impacts on fisheries, vegetation, other birds, health/safety, water quality, and endangered/threatened species.
- National Wildlife Refuges: Identify compatible management actions within refuges to align with state/Tribal/refuge goals.
- Surveys and Updates: Conduct population surveys every 5 years; review/update frameworks every 5 years using survey data.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory regional frameworks, regular surveys, and updates specifically for double-crested cormorants, building on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (which protects migratory birds) but adding structured, region-specific control measures.
- Expands who can take cormorants (e.g., lake/pond managers) beyond traditional government or permitted entities.
- Requires coordination with Flyway Councils and Tribes, shifting toward decentralized management.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gains duties for frameworks, surveys, and updates; states/Tribes get more tools for local control.
- Citizens: Licensed hunters, lake/pond managers can legally manage cormorants on private waters, potentially reducing property/fishery damage.
- Environment: Aims to protect fish stocks, water quality, vegetation, and other species from cormorant overabundance.
- No direct international effects, as it focuses on U.S. populations under domestic treaties.
Main Stakeholders
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (leads implementation).
- Regional Flyway Councils (Atlantic, Central, Mississippi, Pacific—advise on bird migration management).
- States and Indian Tribes (gain authority for actions).
- Hunters, lake/pond managers (newly authorized takers).
- Fisheries, conservation groups, refuge managers (benefit from population control).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Ensures compliance with Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act by mandating sustainability and impact assessments; defines "take" per federal regulations.
- Constitutional: Supports federalism by empowering states/Tribes while maintaining federal oversight.
- Political: Promotes balanced wildlife management, potentially resolving conflicts between conservation and economic interests (e.g., fishing/aquaculture). No major controversies noted in the bill text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 2026-04-02: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-04-02: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-02 — PDF (6 pages)