SJM 8013
In CommitteeSenate
Pinnipeds, predatory birds
Requesting Congress to amend the marine mammal protection act and the migratory bird act to allow the lethal removal of pinnipeds and predatory birds in Puget Sound in a manner similar to the recent changes authorized in the Columbia river to protect endangered salmon populations.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill is a formal request (a joint memorial) to the U.S. Congress to change federal laws so Washington state and treaty tribes can more easily remove pinnipeds and predatory birds in areas where endangered salmon live. It aims to reduce predation on salmon by allowing state- or tribe-led removals under a streamlined federal process.
- Asks Congress to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act to let Washington state and treaty tribes remove pinnipeds (e.g., sea lions, seals) in freshwater rivers, estuaries, and Puget Sound where endangered salmon live — similar to existing authority on the Columbia River.
- Requires the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to review and decide on removal permit applications from the state or tribes within six months of receipt.
- Eliminates the need for NMFS to conduct a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review for pinniped removal applications submitted by the state or tribes.
- Asks Congress to also modify the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to allow lethal removal of predatory birds (e.g., cormorants, herons) that prey on salmon in areas where endangered stocks are at risk.
Who is affected
- State of Washington and treaty tribes — May be allowed to remove (kill) pinnipeds like sea lions and seals in specific areas where endangered salmon are present, under a new federal permit process.
- Salmon populations (especially federally listed threatened or endangered species) — May benefit from reduced predation on juvenile and adult salmon during their migration through rivers, estuaries, and Puget Sound, potentially aiding recovery of listed populations.
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) — May face increased federal oversight and a new six-month deadline for reviewing and approving removal applications, but would retain authority to issue permits under modified federal laws.
- Fish and wildlife managers and conservation agencies — Could see changes in how predatory birds and pinnipeds are managed near salmon habitats, potentially allowing more state- or tribe-led interventions.
Pro/Con Analysis
Potential Benefits (3)
Reducing predation by pinnipeds on juvenile and adult salmon in key migration corridors (e.g., Puget Sound, Columbia River estuaries) could significantly improve survival of endangered salmon populations, supporting long-term recovery and bolstering commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Section 1(1) – Amending Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow lethal removal of pinnipeds in areas with endangered salmonTargeted removal of predatory birds in specific salmon migration zones may reduce mortality of endangered salmon smolts, especially where bird colonies congregate near fish ladders or spawning areas — a measure already used successfully on the Columbia River.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Section 1(1) – Amending Migratory Bird Treaty Act to allow lethal removal of predatory birds (e.g., cormorants, herons) that prey on salmonA clear, time-bound review process may improve regulatory efficiency and predictability for state and tribal wildlife managers, enabling faster, more responsive interventions during critical salmon migration windows.
Local GovernmentPeopleRef: Section 1(2) – Six-month deadline for NMFS to process removal applications
Potential Concerns (4)
Lethal removal of pinnipeds (e.g., sea lions, seals) may disrupt marine food webs and reduce biodiversity, especially if removals exceed ecological thresholds or target non-target species; while pinniped populations have rebounded, they remain ecologically important predators, and large-scale culling could have cascading effects on ecosystem resilience.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Section 1(1) – Amending Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow lethal removal of pinnipeds in Puget Sound and Columbia River estuaries where endangered salmon resideExempting state- or tribe-led pinniped removals from NEPA environmental review reduces transparency, public input, and scientific scrutiny of ecological impacts, potentially leading to unanticipated harm to marine habitats, water quality, or non-target wildlife.
EnvironmentPeopleRef: Section 1(3) – Waiver of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review for pinniped removal applicationsImposing a rigid six-month review timeline may pressure NMFS to approve applications without sufficient scientific review, increasing risk of improper or ecologically unsound removals — especially if applications are submitted in bulk or without adequate baseline data.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Section 1(2) – Six-month deadline for NMFS to approve or deny removal permitsLethal removal of protected marine mammals raises ethical and cultural concerns, particularly for Indigenous communities and conservationists who view pinnipeds as sacred or ecologically vital; this could erode public trust in wildlife management if perceived as prioritizing fish over other wildlife.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: Section 1(1) – Amending Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow lethal removal of pinnipeds in Puget Sound
Who Is Most Affected
Tribal nations and state wildlife agencies gain authority to directly manage pinniped and bird predation in salmon habitats, potentially increasing salmon returns critical for cultural, subsistence, and treaty-reserved fisheries.
Endangered salmon populations (e.g., Southern Resident killer whale prey, Puget Sound Chinook) may benefit from reduced predation pressure during vulnerable life stages, aiding recovery under the Endangered Species Act.
Pinniped and predatory bird populations may decline locally in targeted zones, potentially affecting ecological roles and raising welfare concerns — though current population levels are high and rebounding, reducing extinction risk.
Commercial, recreational, and tribal fishermen may benefit from higher salmon returns, but could face reputational or regulatory backlash if removals appear excessive or poorly科学.
NMFS faces new statutory deadlines and reduced discretionary review authority, potentially increasing workload and legal exposure if removals cause unintended ecological harm.