Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9621
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T10:23:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the intentional lethal taking of certain seals and sea lions (pinnipeds) in specific Pacific Northwest waterways. The goal is to reduce predation on salmon, steelhead, and other fish species listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as non-listed fish of concern.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Expansion of existing authority: Modifies Section 120(f) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to cover all pinnipeds (not just sea lions) across the full Columbia River and its tributaries in Washington and Oregon, removing prior geographic restrictions such as river mile 112 to McNary Dam.
- New permitting program: Adds subsection (k) allowing the Secretary of Commerce to issue permits to the State of Washington and federally recognized Indian Tribes with treaty-reserved fishing rights in western Washington for lethal removal of harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions in Washington state waters (including Puget Sound, estuaries, and the Pacific Coast, but excluding the Columbia River).
- Permit requirements: Takings must be humane, carried out by state agencies, qualified contractors, or eligible entities; permits last up to 5 years and may be renewed or delegated; annual take is capped at 10 percent of the potential biological removal level for the relevant pinniped population.
- Technology program: Establishes the Columbia River Pinniped Exclusion Technology Accelerator to develop non-lethal barriers that prevent pinnipeds from entering salmon habitat without blocking navigation or fish passage.
- Oversight and reporting: Requires annual reports to Congress on pinniped populations and predation impacts; mandates a 10-year study on effects on salmon recovery; allows suspension of permits after 5 years if no longer needed.
- Rule of construction: Explicitly states the bill does not alter any treaty rights of Indian Tribes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced The bill broadens the scope of lethal management under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from temporary, location-specific sea lion removals to adaptive, multi-species pinniped management in expanded areas. It introduces a separate permitting framework for Washington waters and shifts from strictly temporary measures to renewable 5-year permits, while adding requirements for technology innovation and periodic reviews.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service would handle permit issuance, monitoring, and reporting, increasing administrative workload.
- State and tribal fishery managers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho gain direct authority to conduct or delegate lethal removals, potentially aiding salmon recovery efforts that benefit commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing.
- No direct international relations implications are addressed, though pinniped populations may involve transboundary stocks.
- Citizens involved in fishing or conservation could see improved fish populations, while those concerned with marine mammal protection may note expanded lethal options.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The State of Washington and covered Indian Tribes (eligible entities authorized to apply for and use permits).
- Federal agencies including the Department of Commerce and National Marine Fisheries Service.
- Salmonid and anadromous fish populations listed under the Endangered Species Act, along with associated fisheries.
- Pinniped populations (harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions) not classified as depleted or strategic.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation balances marine mammal protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act with Endangered Species Act recovery goals for fish without modifying tribal treaty rights. It maintains existing processes for determining take limits and requires humane methods, potentially inviting future legal challenges regarding the necessity or methods of lethal management. The bill includes explicit safeguards against affecting navigation, fish migration, or tribal rights.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (13 pages)