U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Ted Cruz Introduce Legislation to Improve Management of Double-Crested Cormorants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026 . The legislation requires the Secretary of the Interior to develop regional management frameworks for the take of double-crested cormorants. “Alabama’s catfish farmers play a crucial role in our state’s economy and put food on the table for hardworking families. We should be taking every step to ensure their continued success. Cormorants pose a significant threat to catfish populations, and that’s why I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in introducing this legislation to streamline burdensome regulations and bolster states’ abilities to work with the Department of the Interior to protect this critical industry,” said Senator Britt “Excessive double-crested cormorant populations are harming fisheries, aquaculture operations, and private waters across Texas. This bill gives Texans the tools they need to responsibly manage these populations,” said Senator Cruz. U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Our fisheries are essential to our nation’s economy, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage. Recreational fishing across the United States generates significant economic benefit, supporting jobs and tourism-driven economies nationwide. When double crested cormorant populations grow beyond sustainable levels, they can significantly deplete fish stocks. This legislation ensures we have a responsible, science driven framework to protect the health of our fisheries,” said Representative Walberg. The introduction of this legislation builds on Senator Britt’s work to protect Alabama’s catfish industry. She has successfully advocated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase $20 million worth of farm-raised catfish products and has previously introduced the Cormorant Relief Act to protect catfish ponds. You can read the full text of the bill here . ###