Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026

This legislation significantly amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, primarily by expanding the authority for the intentional lethal taking of pinnipeds. The goal is to protect endangered, threatened, and other fish species from predation in the Columbia River, its tributaries, and other specified waters. The bill removes previous geographic restrictions on pinniped removal in the Columbia River, allowing for broader management efforts. It also introduces a new provision enabling the State of Washington and covered Indian Tribes to obtain permits for the lethal taking of pinnipeds in other Washington State waters, excluding the Columbia River, to protect salmon and other fish species of concern. Permits for lethal taking are valid for up to five years and require humane methods, with the Secretary establishing procedures for their issuance and oversight. The Secretary is mandated to suspend permit issuance if, after five years, lethal removal is deemed unnecessary for fish protection, and annual reports on pinniped populations and their predation impact on salmon recovery are required. Furthermore, the bill establishes a Columbia River Pinniped Exclusion Technology Accelerator program to stimulate innovation in developing non-lethal technologies. These technologies aim to prevent pinnipeds from moving upstream into salmon habitats without impeding navigation or fish migration, and a comprehensive study and report on the effectiveness of these actions are required after ten years.