Federal agency must draw up regional cormorant control plans within 180 days
In markupH.R. 8195Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Walberg · Representative · MI
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Official title: Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
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HR 8195 requires Fish and Wildlife Service to issue regional cormorant management plans within 180 days and recount birds every five years.
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What does this do?
HR 8195 requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create regional management plans for double-crested cormorants within 180 days of enactment. The plans must define who may remove or kill cormorants, under what conditions, and how many birds may be taken while keeping the population at a sustainable level. The agency must also conduct population counts every five years and revise the plans accordingly.
Who does it affect?
Plans would cover all four major migratory bird regions, including National Wildlife Refuges, and authorize states, Native American tribes, licensed hunters, and private lake and pond managers to carry out removal. Fish farmers, aquaculture operators, lake managers, and recreational anglers are among those most directly affected.
Why does it matter?
Large concentrations of cormorants have been linked to pressure on fish populations, damage to wetland vegetation, displacement of other bird species, water quality changes, and potential harm to threatened or endangered species. The bill responds to those documented ecological and economic concerns across freshwater fishery areas.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 2, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.