West Coast Salmon Success: Rules Relax for Fishers

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.

2026-11021 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; the Highly Migratory Species Fishery; Pacific Loggerhead Conservation Area Closure

Starting June 1 through August 31, 2026, fishing with large-mesh drift gillnets off southern California east of 120°W is temporarily banned to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles. This closure happens because warmer ocean temperatures and a likely El Niño event could put these turtles at risk. Fishermen using this gear in the area will need to pause their activities for three months to help keep these turtles safe.

2026-11017 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 Recreational Accountability Measure and Closure for Snowy Grouper in the South Atlantic

Starting June 7, 2026, recreational fishing for snowy grouper in South Atlantic federal waters will be closed until the new year to protect the fish population. This change happens because anglers caught too many snowy groupers in 2025, so the season is shorter to keep the catch within safe limits. If you love fishing snowy grouper, plan ahead to avoid missing out and help keep the fish healthy!

2026-10889 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; 2026-2027 Recreational Closure for Greater Amberjack

Starting September 1, 2026, recreational fishers in the Gulf of America can catch greater amberjack, but the season will close early on October 14, 2026, to protect the fish population. This temporary closure lasts until July 31, 2027, helping keep amberjack numbers healthy for future fun. If you love fishing, plan your trips before mid-October to avoid missing out!

2026-10891 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Harpoon Category Retention Limit Adjustment

Starting June 1, 2026, fishermen using harpoons to catch Atlantic bluefin tuna can only keep up to 5 big tuna per day instead of 10. This rule helps protect tuna populations and lasts until November 15, 2026, unless changed earlier. It affects all vessels with Harpoon category permits and aims to balance fishing fun with smart conservation.

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.