Fish Council Zoom Call: Pacific Species on Agenda

2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date

NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.

2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.

2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.

2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings

NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.

2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan

Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.

2026-20435, Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62

Starting October 2, 2026, new rules change how much red grouper fishermen in the Gulf of America can catch and how the catch is shared. Plus, the winter break for catching shallow-water grouper is gone, so anglers get more fishing days. These updates help keep fish healthy while giving fishermen and fish lovers better chances to enjoy the Gulf’s reef fishery.

Previous: 2025-02028, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding a one-day meeting on February 24, 2025, to talk about improving how they collect data from charter fishing businesses. This affects charter boat operators and helps make fishing rules smarter and fairer. The meeting will cover new data plans, economic info, and ways to share updates with the public—no big costs announced yet, but better data means better fishing management!

Next: 2025-02030, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel is hosting a free online meeting on February 18, 2025, to discuss important fishery topics and prepare reports for the March Council meeting. This affects fishermen, fishery managers, and anyone interested in Pacific fish rules. No immediate money changes, but decisions made could impact fishing rules soon.