Build That Bridge, But Spare the River Seals (Mostly)

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.

2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts

North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.

Previous: 2025-03981, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Hilcorp Alaska, LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska

Hilcorp Alaska wants permission to accidentally affect a few marine mammals while doing oil and gas work in Cook Inlet for the next five years. The government is asking the public to share thoughts or info about this plan by April 14, 2025. This helps make sure marine life is protected while energy work continues safely and responsibly.

Next: 2025-03984, Combined Notice of Filings #1

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new electric rate filings from companies like Florida Power & Light, Northern States Power, and PJM Interconnection. These filings include updates, corrections, and new agreements that could affect how electricity rates and services work, with some changes kicking in as soon as March and others later this year. If you’re involved in energy or power, keep an eye on deadlines for comments by late March to have your say!