HR 9637
Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026
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Bill overview
This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow specific Native American tribes with historical connections to the Columbia River to intentionally lethally take California sea lions and Steller sea lions within a defined area of the river. The bill outlines requirements for how tribes can conduct this take, including humane methods and the ability to take a certain number of animals without individual identification. It establishes specific definitions for ‘covered Indian Tribe,’ ‘covered pinniped,’ and ‘covered waters’ within the Columbia River.
Key provisions
- Allows covered Indian Tribes to intentionally lethally take California sea lions and Steller sea lions.
- Specifies the geographic area of the Columbia River where this take is permitted (River Mile 0 to McNary Dam).
- Outlines requirements for humane methods and the number of pinnipeds that can be taken.
- Defines ‘covered Indian Tribe’ as tribes with ancestral ties to the designated waters.
- Defines ‘covered pinniped’ as California sea lions and a specific population of Steller sea lions.
- Allows a designated person to carry out the lethal take on behalf of the tribe.
Who is affected
- Certain Native American Tribes in California
- California Sea Lions
- Steller Sea Lions
- Columbia River Ecosystem
- Washington and Oregon States
Notable changes
- Authorizes intentional lethal take of marine mammals, which is generally prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 9637
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize intentional lethal take by certain Indian Tribes of California sea lions and Steller sea lions in a specified portion of the Columbia River, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026
.
may carry out such take—
without limitation on—
notwithstanding whether the covered pinnipeds are individually identifiable; and
shall carry out such take—
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to limit existing Tribal rights or authorities under treaties, executive orders, or other provisions of law.
In this subsection:
The term covered pinniped means a—
California sea lion (Zalphus californianus); and
Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) that is part of the Eastern Distinct Population Segment of Steller sea lions.
The term covered waters means the mainstem and tributaries of the Columbia River in the States of Washington and Oregon from River Mile 0 to the McNary Dam.