Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

Bill Summary: Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

Bill Number: HR 8195

Session: 119th Congress

Jurisdiction: United States

Status: Introduced (Referred to House Committee on Natural Resources)

Overview

The Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 is designed to establish a structured, regional approach to managing the population of double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum). The bill seeks to balance the conservation of the species with the need to mitigate the negative impacts that overabundant cormorant populations have on fisheries, water quality, and other wildlife.

Key Provisions

1. Regional Management Frameworks

The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior (via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) develop a management framework for the "take" (removal or killing) of double-crested cormorants within 180 days of enactment. These frameworks must be coordinated with the four Regional Flyway Councils (Atlantic, Central, Mississippi, and Pacific).

Each framework must include:
* Sustainable Population Goals: Ensuring breeding populations remain sustainable in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
* Operational Guidelines: Specific allowed methods and time periods for the take of birds.
* Authorized Entities: Identification of who is permitted to manage the birds, specifically including:
* State and Tribal agencies.
* State-licensed hunters.
* Private lake and pond managers (authorized by state regulatory agencies).
* Impact Assessment: The frameworks must account for how overabundant populations affect fisheries, sensitive vegetation, other migratory birds, human health/safety, water quality, and endangered species.

2. National Wildlife Refuge System Integration

The Secretary is required to identify specific management actions that can be implemented within the National Wildlife Refuge System. These actions must align the objectives of States, Tribes, and Flyway Councils while still upholding the primary purpose of the refuges.

3. Monitoring and Updates

To ensure the frameworks remain evidence-based, the bill establishes a recurring cycle of data collection and review:
* Population Surveys: A comprehensive survey of double-crested cormorant populations must be conducted every 5 years.
* Framework Updates: Every 5 years, the Secretary must review and update the regional management frameworks based on the results of the most recent population survey.

Affected Parties

• Federal Government: The Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• State and Tribal Governments: Game and fish agencies will have a role in developing frameworks and executing management actions.
• Private Landowners: Licensed lake and pond managers will have a formalized pathway to manage cormorant populations on their properties.
• Environmental Groups & Fisheries: Those concerned with the ecological balance of waterways and the protection of fish stocks.

Procedural Timeline

• Introduced: April 2, 2026.
• Committee Action: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources $\rightarrow$ Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
• Hearings: Subcommittee hearings were held on April 16, 2026.
• Implementation: If passed, the first management frameworks must be developed within 180 days.