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
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-11859 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, environmental groups, and fishery managers in the Gulf and South Atlantic are invited to join a free webinar on June 29, 2026, kicking off a big review of Black Sea Bass fish stocks. This review will help decide how to keep fishing fair and fish populations healthy, with no immediate cost changes but important future management decisions ahead. Everyone’s input counts in this step-by-step process to protect our ocean friends and fishing jobs.
2026-11787 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Lobster-Annual Trap Transfer Program
The government is asking lobster fishers and the public to comment on continuing the annual trap transfer program, which helps lobster fishers trade their lobster traps to fish smarter and protect lobster populations. This program affects lobster fishers along the Atlantic coast and aims to balance fishing limits with economic flexibility. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, and there’s no new cost, just a chance to share your thoughts!
2026-11788 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program
NOAA is asking for public feedback on the paperwork needed for the Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program, which helps manage how much tilefish fishermen can catch each year. This affects tilefish fishermen who hold special permits and ensures the rules stay fair and clear. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, with no new costs expected—just a chance to weigh in!
2026-11780 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Teacher at Sea Program
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their Teacher at Sea program’s info collection, which helps teachers join scientists on research ships for 2-4 weeks. This update keeps the program running smoothly and ensures it meets legal requirements, with comments due by August 10, 2026. Teachers and the public benefit from this hands-on ocean science adventure, with no new costs involved.
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.