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HR 8195

Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Mike Ezell and 4 co-sponsors

HR 8195 requires the Interior Secretary to establish regional frameworks authorizing controlled killing of double-crested cormorants to address fishery conflicts and population management.

Subcommittee Hearings Held
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Bill Summary · HR 8195

Legislative bill overview

HR 8195 directs the Secretary of the Interior to create regional management frameworks that would establish guidelines for the controlled killing ("take") of double-crested cormorants across different geographic areas. The bill essentially mandates a structured approach to population management of this species rather than leaving decisions to existing ad-hoc authorities.

Why is this important

Double-crested cormorants have experienced significant population recovery since the 1970s, and their expanding numbers have created conflicts with commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as concerns about impacts on aquaculture and other wildlife. Establishing formal regional frameworks could provide clearer rules for fish and wildlife management agencies to address these conflicts, though it also represents a shift toward potentially more aggressive wildlife management policies.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental vs. economic balance: Conservation groups may argue the bill prioritizes fishing interests over wildlife recovery, while fishing advocates contend cormorant populations now warrant management to protect livelihoods
  • Regional autonomy concerns: The requirement for federally-developed frameworks could be viewed as either necessary standardization or as federal overreach into state wildlife management traditions
  • Scientific basis for "take" levels: Disagreement likely exists over what population levels are sustainable and whether lethal removal is necessary versus non-lethal deterrence methods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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