Sponsors (2)
Expands and updates federal pinniped lethal-take permits and adds a NMFS technology accelerator to protect listed and at-risk salmonids in the Columbia River basin and certain Washington waters.
Revises federal law to expand and update how pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) are managed in the Columbia River basin and certain Washington waters to protect listed and at-risk salmonids and other covered fish. It broadens permit authorities for intentional lethal take, creates a NMFS program to develop pinniped exclusion technologies (subject to appropriations), adds reporting and review triggers, and requires a long-term study and congressional report on effects to salmon and steelhead recovery.
Official title: To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow for the taking of pinnipeds on the Columbia River, its tributaries, and the waters of the State of Washington to protect species of salmon listed as endangered species or threatened species and other nonlisted species of fish, and for other purposes.
Introduced July 9, 2026 by Michael Baumgartner · Last progress July 9, 2026