NOAA Issues Confirmations for Ongoing Marine Mammal Research Projects
Published Date: 5/14/2025
Notice
Summary
Scientists and research groups studying marine mammals just got official Letters of Confirmation to keep doing their important work. This means they’re cleared to continue their research without extra hassle, helping us learn more about these amazing animals. No new fees or deadlines—just smooth sailing for marine mammal science!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
LOCs Issued for Marine Mammal Research
Individuals and institutions have been issued Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) to conduct activities under the General Authorization for Scientific Research on marine mammals. The notice says there are no new fees or deadlines, so recipients can continue their research without extra administrative burden.
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.
2026-11987 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; 2026 and Projected 2027 and 2028 Specifications
Starting June 15, 2026, new skate fishing rules kick in for the Northeast U.S. These rules set catch limits for 2026 and projections for 2027 and 2028, while letting fishers keep more skate wings and bait per trip. This helps protect skate populations and gives fishers more freedom to work smart and steady.
2026-11960 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the City of Kodiak St. Herman Harbor Infrastructure Rebuild Project
The City of Kodiak got permission to do construction work on St. Herman Harbor that might accidentally disturb some local marine mammals. This work will happen in two phases, each lasting up to a year starting June 2026, and the project promises to keep impacts on animals very low. It’s a big step to improve the harbor while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
2026-11986 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish and Golden Tilefish Fisheries; 2026 Specifications
Starting June 15, 2026, new fishing rules set how many golden and blueline tilefish can be caught north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. These limits help keep fish populations healthy while supporting both commercial and recreational fishers. If you fish or sell these tilefish, get ready for updated catch limits that balance fun, food, and the future!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-08514 — Notice of Agreements Filed
The Federal Maritime Commission announced updates to a shipping agreement between Mediterranean Shipping Company and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services. They’re removing the Bahamas, Mexico, and Jamaica but adding Taiwan and Indonesia to their service areas starting May 7, 2025. This change could affect shipping routes and schedules, so companies and customers should pay attention and can comment within 12 days.
Next: 2025-08517 — General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan; Intent To Reestablish Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is bringing back the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan for another two years because it’s important for keeping poultry healthy and safe. This affects poultry farmers, hatcheries, and anyone involved in poultry health programs. No big costs or deadlines yet, but the committee will keep working to improve poultry standards.