Fishery Bigwigs Meet to Chat Fish Rules in Hybrid Powwow

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.

2026-13195 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on July 22, 2026, to review and possibly update fishing limits for Atlantic chub mackerel and butterfish. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these changes could affect how much fish can be caught from 2027 to 2029. This meeting helps keep fishing fair and sustainable while protecting the ocean’s future.

2026-13153 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 25 (Revised)

Starting June 30, 2026, new rules update how Atlantic cod stocks are managed in the Northeast multispecies fishery. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting fresh limits and protections to stop overfishing and help cod populations bounce back. The goal? Keep fishing fun and sustainable while supporting a $40 million industry.

2026-13196 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are teaming up to figure out how to share the blueline tilefish catch limits north of Cape Hatteras. They’ll meet online in July 2026 to review data and suggest fair fishing quotas, which could affect fishermen and seafood businesses in both regions. This plan aims to keep fish populations healthy while balancing who gets to catch what.

2026-13166 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2026-2027 Fishing Year

The California Wetfish Producers Association wants special permission to keep fishing Pacific sardines during 2026-2027, even though it might normally be banned. This is to help with important scientific research and to reduce waste by allowing some sales to cover costs. People have until July 15, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.

Previous: 2025-06625 — Gulf Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting a one-day, in-person meeting for its Ecosystem Technical Committee. This meeting affects fishermen, environmental groups, and anyone interested in Gulf marine life, as they’ll discuss important plans to protect and manage fish habitats. No big money changes yet, but stay tuned for updates that could impact fishing rules soon!

Next: 2025-06627 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting

Fishermen, seafood lovers, and coastal communities, listen up! The South Atlantic Red Snapper is getting a fresh check-up through a series of meetings and workshops to make sure we’re managing this tasty fish the right way. These sessions will help set smart rules that keep fish numbers healthy and fishing fair, with updates rolling out soon.