West Coast Salmon Success: Rules Relax for Fishers

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.

2026-05599 — 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.

2026-14474 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a public webinar on August 4, 2026, to review and keep the same fishing rules for spiny dogfish in 2027 as in 2026. This affects fishermen and businesses relying on spiny dogfish, helping them plan ahead with no expected changes in catch limits or costs. The meeting will focus on a fishery report that guides these decisions.

2026-14524 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Amendment 129 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Amendment 58 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs; Economic Data Reporting Requirements Removal

Fishermen in Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands won’t have to send in yearly economic reports anymore, thanks to new proposed changes. This means less paperwork and lower fees for those catching groundfish and crabs. If you’re involved in these fisheries, you’ve got until September 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before the changes take effect.

Previous: 2025-04951 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA wants Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER planes checked for worn or damaged LED sidewall wires that could cause safety problems. They’re asking for a quick visual inspection and fixes if needed to keep flights safe. This check needs to happen soon to avoid any costly or risky issues down the line.

Next: 2025-05329 — Airworthiness Directives; International Aero Engines LLC Engines

The FAA wants to fix a safety issue with certain International Aero Engines after bird strikes caused fan blades to break and fires to start. They’re asking airlines to remove a specific clamp and swap out some parts to keep engines safe. This fix needs to happen soon to avoid costly damage and keep flights flying smoothly.