Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026
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 bill aims to change the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow certain Indian Tribes to intentionally harm or kill California sea lions and Steller sea lions in a specific part of the Columbia River. This would mainly affect those tribes and the sea lions in that area, allowing the tribes to manage these marine mammals in a way that fits their needs.
The bill was introduced on July 9, 2026, and was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on the same day. It has not yet moved to the next steps in the legislative process.
The key actions so far include the introduction of the bill and its referral to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further review and potential changes.
