Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act

Bill 114 hr 564, also known as the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, aims to address the issue of predation on endangered salmon and other fish species in the United States. The bill specifically targets the protection of salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest, where predation by sea lions and other marine mammals has been a significant problem.

The bill proposes to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to issue permits to eligible entities to lethally remove sea lions and other marine mammals that are posing a threat to endangered salmon and other fish species. These permits would be issued in areas where predation is having a negative impact on fish populations, particularly in the Columbia River Basin.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of these removal efforts, as well as requirements for humane treatment of the animals being targeted. It also calls for the development of a long-term plan to address predation issues in a sustainable and effective manner. Overall, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act seeks to strike a balance between protecting endangered fish species and ensuring the well-being of marine mammals, while also addressing the economic and cultural importance of salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.