Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

This legislation, titled the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026, mandates the Secretary of the Interior to establish regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants. These frameworks must be developed within 180 days of enactment, in coordination with applicable Regional Flyway Councils, utilizing existing information. Each framework is designed to ensure the breeding population of double-crested cormorants is maintained at a sustainable level , consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Key provisions include specifying allowed methods and time periods of take , and identifying authorized entities such as State and Tribal agencies , licensed hunters, lake managers, and pond managers. The frameworks must also account for the potential negative effects of overabundant cormorant populations on fisheries, sensitive vegetation, other migratory birds, human health and safety, water quality, and endangered species . To ensure adaptive management, the bill requires the Secretary to conduct population surveys every five years and to review and update each regional management framework every five years, incorporating the latest survey data.