Oops! Scientists Get Green Light to Bug Whales Off Mexico
Published Date: 5/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory wants permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while doing a geophysical survey off Western Mexico. NMFS is asking the public for comments before deciding whether to approve this for one year, with a possible one-time renewal. This process helps protect marine life while allowing important scientific work to continue.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-20652, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category October Through November Quota Transfer and Adjustment
NOAA is shifting some bluefin tuna fishing quota to help commercial fishermen catch more fish from October to November 2026. They moved 70.2 metric tons from a reserve and added leftover quota from earlier months, boosting the total catch allowed to 192.9 metric tons. This change helps commercial and charter boats with the right permits fish more bluefin tuna during this period.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07533, Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking to keep collecting info about sewage and graywater from certain cruise ships in Alaskan waters, with no changes to the current rules. This affects cruise operators who must keep these records, helping protect Alaska’s environment without adding extra paperwork. The Office of Management and Budget will review this request soon to make sure it’s fair and necessary.
Next: 2025-07678, Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Notice of Amended Final Results of Countervailing Duty Expedited Review; Notice of Exclusion From Countervailing Duty Order
The U.S. government has updated its rules for certain Canadian softwood lumber from Fontaine, Inc. and its affiliates, deciding they don’t owe extra duties anymore. This means Fontaine’s lumber shipments since April 28, 2017, will be cleared without extra fees, saving them money and speeding up trade. If you’re involved with these lumber products, this change is a big win and affects how imports are handled going forward.