H.R. 9637: Protecting Columbia River Salmon Act of 2026

This bill would change federal marine mammal law to let certain federally recognized Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to the Columbia River area intentionally kill certain sea lions in a defined stretch of the Columbia River.

What animals and waters are covered

The bill applies only to:

• California sea lions
• Steller sea lions from the Eastern Distinct Population Segment

It would apply in the mainstem and tributaries of the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, from River Mile 0 to McNary Dam.

Who could act under the bill

The bill defines a covered Indian Tribe as a federally recognized tribe with ancestral ties to any part of the covered waters. Such a tribe could carry out the lethal take directly, or designate another person to do it on the tribe’s behalf.

What authority the bill would give

Under the bill, a covered tribe could intentionally lethally take the listed sea lions in the covered waters:

• Without a numerical limit on how many sea lions could be taken
• Without a time limit on when the take could occur
• Even if individual animals are not specifically identifiable
• Using methods and in a manner the tribe determines to be humane and appropriate

Other legal effect

The bill says nothing in this new provision should be read to limit any existing tribal rights or authorities under treaties, executive orders, or other laws.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would create a federal exception allowing certain Columbia River-area tribes to remove, by lethal means, specified sea lions that are believed to be affecting salmon in that river system. It does not set a cap on removals and does not require the animals to be individually identified before action is taken.

Relevant Companies

None found.