S. 5514 — Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations within 1 year establishing regional management frameworks for double-crested cormorants, in coordination with the four Regional Flyway Councils. Each framework must set biologically sustainable take levels, specify allowable methods and time periods, require annual public reporting of take, identify authorized entities including state, tribal, lake, and pond managers, consider documented effects on fisheries and other species, mandate non-lethal measures, and include long-term monitoring. The section also requires population surveys and framework updates every 5 years.