Federal officials would set regional rules for managing cormorants

The Interior secretary would issue rules for regional plans on managing double-crested cormorants. Plans would cover double-crested cormorants by region. States, tribes, and other authorized entities, including lake and pond managers, could carry out approved actions. Plans would balance conservation with authorized removals, using the best available science and recent population surveys. Plans would set allowed methods and times, require public annual reports of target and non-target birds taken, and include steps to avoid harm to other species and require nonlethal measures. Plans would identify local conflicts that authorized removals could feasibly resolve and eligible managers, and would address effects on wildlife, people, and the environment. The secretary would make recommendations for actions in national wildlife refuges that meet management goals while honoring each refuge's main purpose. The secretary would issue regulations within one year after enactment. The Act would cease to have effect on January 1, 2034.

The Interior secretary would survey cormorant populations and review and update each regional plan. The surveys would cover double-crested cormorants, and the reviews would cover each regional management plan. The secretary would coordinate the surveys and plan reviews with the relevant regional councils and use the latest survey results when updating plans. The first survey and plan review would be due within five years after enactment, with both repeated every five years.

The Interior secretary would report to Congress on whether hunting licenses could help meet the regional plans' requirements. The report would address licenses to hunt double-crested cormorants. The report would be due within 90 days after enactment.