H.R. 9621 · In committee · Environmental Protection

Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026

What it does

Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to permit intentional lethal taking of pinnipeds in the Columbia River, its tributaries, and Washington State waters to protect endangered and threatened salmon species.
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue permits to eligible entities for lethal pinniped removal, with permits effective for up to 5 years and subject to renewal based on Secretary determination of necessity.
Requires the Secretary to establish the Columbia River Pinniped Exclusion Technology Accelerator program to develop non-lethal pinniped exclusion technology that prevents predation without impeding fish migration or navigation.
Directs the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing pinniped population status and the extent to which pinniped predation prevents recovery of listed salmon species, with authority to suspend lethal permitting after 5 years if removal is no longer necessary.

Sep 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.

Committee: House Natural Resources