Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a new, science-based regulatory system for managing double-crested cormorant populations, aiming to mitigate their negative impacts while ensuring their conservation.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to establish regional management frameworks for the 'take' of double-crested cormorants within one year. These frameworks must balance the conservation of cormorant populations with the need to address documented conflicts related to fisheries, sensitive vegetation, and other migratory birds, allowing for management actions by states, tribes, and private lake/pond managers.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill provides essential tools to manage rapidly expanding double-crested cormorant populations that are causing significant harm to commercial and recreational fisheries, sensitive ecosystems, and other migratory bird species. They contend it offers a balanced, science-driven approach to address these conflicts while safeguarding the cormorant species.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill could lead to excessive culling of cormorants, potentially disrupting ecological balance or that existing migratory bird protections are sufficient. They may also express concerns about the potential for non-target take and the scientific justification for widespread population control measures.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a thorough understanding within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 1
Short Title
This section formally names the Act as the 'Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026.' This title provides a concise and official reference for the legislation, facilitating its discussion and identification within legislative and public discourse.
Supporters argue
A clear and concise short title is essential for easy identification and discussion of the legislation, making it more accessible to the public and legislative bodies.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it is a standard legislative practice for naming bills.
Tradeoffs
None.
Section 2(a)
Definitions of Key Terms
This subsection defines critical terms used throughout the Act, such as 'double-crested cormorant,' 'Indian Tribe,' 'lake manager,' 'pond manager,' 'Regional Flyway Council,' 'Secretary' (referring to the Secretary of the Interior through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and 'take' (as defined in existing federal regulations). These definitions are fundamental for ensuring consistent interpretation and application of the bill's provisions.
Section 2(b)
Mandate for Regional Management Frameworks
This section requires the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Regional Flyway Councils, to promulgate regulations within one year of the Act's enactment. These regulations will establish regional management frameworks for double-crested cormorants, based on the best available scientific information and consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This provision sets the core directive for a new, coordinated approach to cormorant population management.
Section 2(c)
Specific Requirements for Regional Management Frameworks
This subsection details the mandatory components of each regional management framework. It requires ensuring conservation of cormorant breeding populations at biologically sustainable levels, specifying allowable take methods and time periods, mandating public reporting of all take (including non-target birds), and implementing measures to avoid non-target take. The frameworks must also identify documented conflicts that authorized take can resolve, include non-lethal measures, and consider the effects of cormorants on fisheries, vegetation, other migratory birds, human health, water quality, and endangered species. It also identifies authorized entities for take, including State and Tribal agencies, and licensed lake and pond managers.
Section 2(d)
Management within National Wildlife Refuge System
This section directs the Secretary, in collaboration with State and Tribal game and fish agencies and the Regional Flyway Councils, to develop recommendations for cormorant management actions within units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These actions must comply with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act and align with the management objectives of all involved parties, while also fulfilling the primary conservation purposes of the refuges.
Sections 2(e) and 2(f)
Regular Population Surveys and Framework Updates
The bill mandates that the Secretary, in coordination with Regional Flyway Councils, conduct a survey of double-crested cormorant populations every five years, beginning five years after the Act's enactment. Concurrently, the regional management frameworks developed under the Act must be reviewed and updated every five years, incorporating the results of these most recent population surveys. This ensures that management strategies remain adaptive and based on current scientific data.
Section 2(g)
Report on Hunting Licenses Feasibility
This section requires the Secretary to submit a report to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Natural Resources within 90 days of enactment. The report must assess the feasibility of issuing licenses to hunt double-crested cormorants as a method to meet the requirements of the regional management frameworks. This explores an additional potential tool for population control.
Section 2(h)
Sunset Clause
This provision stipulates that the entire Act shall cease to have force or effect on January 1, 2034. This means that all mandates, regulations, surveys, and management frameworks established under this Act will expire on that date unless Congress takes further action to reauthorize or extend the legislation. It sets an expiration date for the entire program.