Fishery Council Webinar: Because Oceans Need More Meetings
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a public webinar on March 20, 2025, to review and improve the 2025 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management risk report. This meeting affects fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by shaping how fishery risks are managed using the latest science. The final report will guide decisions starting in April, helping protect ocean health and fishing jobs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2025 EAFM report will guide April decisions
If you are a fisherman, part of an environmental group, or live in a coastal community, the EOP Committee and Advisory Panel will review the draft 2025 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) risk assessment—updated with the 2025 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem data—on March 20, 2025. The panel will provide feedback and the final 2025 EAFM risk assessment report will be presented to the Council in April and will guide decisions about how fishery risks are managed, which the notice says will help protect ocean health and fishing jobs.
Webinar format and accessibility requirements
The March 20, 2025 meeting will be held by webinar with a telephone-only connection option and is physically accessible. If you need sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids, you must contact Shelley Spedden at (302) 526-5251 at least 5 days before the meeting date.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-20268, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on October 16, 2026, to discuss important fishery rules that affect fishermen and communities in New England’s waters. They’ll review advice from experts about protecting fish species and plan meetings for next year. This meeting could lead to new fishing rules that impact how and when people fish, helping keep the ocean healthy and fishing sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03371, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a hybrid meeting on March 21, 2025, to discuss important updates and rules for local fishing, especially groundfish. Fishermen, fishery managers, and the community will hear about new ways to track fish populations and possible changes to catch limits. This meeting helps make sure fishing stays safe and sustainable, with no immediate cost changes announced but important decisions ahead.
Next: 2025-03373, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies, including wind farms and power providers. These filings include updates on accounting, new generator certifications, complaints, and rate changes. If you’re involved or interested, watch for comment deadlines mostly in early to mid-March 2025—some changes could affect energy costs or operations soon.