Bill · H.R. 9621· House(119-HR-9621)
Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/9/2026
- Last activity
- 9/15/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Baumgartner
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026," aims to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. It allows for the intentional lethal taking of certain pinnipeds, such as sea lions, to protect endangered and threatened salmon and other fish species. The legislation targets the Columbia River, its tributaries, and specific waters in the State of Washington. It also establishes a program to develop new technology to keep pinnipeds out of salmon habitats. Additionally, the bill requires regular reports and a long-term study on the effectiveness of these actions on fish recovery.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill aims to protect endangered salmon and steelhead species through predator management.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+5
The bill establishes active management of pinniped populations to protect aquatic habitats.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill involves consultation with covered Indian Tribes and protects treaty-reserved fishing rights.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Fish Species: The bill allows for the removal of pinnipeds to protect salmon, steelhead, and other fish species that are listed as endangered or threatened (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Technological Innovation: The creation of the "Columbia River Pinniped Exclusion Technology Accelerator" is intended to stimulate the development of new technology to prevent pinnipeds from entering salmon habitats (Section 2(a)(1)(H)).
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Navigation Safety: The proposed exclusion technology is required to be developed in a way that does not impede commercial, recreational, or Tribal navigation (Section 2(a)(1)(H)(ii)).
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Salmon Recovery Support: By allowing for the management of pinniped predation, the bill seeks to aid the recovery of salmonid and other fish species (Section 2(a)(1)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Lethal Take of Wildlife: The bill authorizes the intentional lethal taking of certain pinnipeds, including harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions (Section 2(a)(k)(8)).
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Requirement for Humane Methods: Those carrying out the lethal take must ensure the methods used are humane (Section 2(a)(k)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Public Land Management+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- 9/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 7/21/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 7/14/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington