Scientist Seeks Permit to Hang Out with California Sea Lions

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.

2026-18152, Notification of Fees for Seafood Inspection Services

The NMFS Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) is notifying program participants that its fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 will remain as established on November 1, 2022.

Previous: 2025-04433, Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 205, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Rincon Power, LLC; (Contactors, Relays and Switches); Carpinteria, California

Rincon Power, LLC in Carpinteria, California wants to start making special electrical parts like contactors, relays, and switches using some imported materials under Foreign-Trade Zone 205 rules. This move could save them money on import duties, with tax rates ranging from zero to 2.7%. The government got their request on March 10, 2025, and is reviewing it to give the green light soon.

Next: 2025-04435, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meeting

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is holding a closed meeting on April 24, 2025, to review grant applications focused on fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This meeting affects researchers applying for funding and helps decide which projects get money to develop new treatments. The discussions are private to protect sensitive information and personal privacy.