Government Greenlights Shark Fishing That Oopsie-Daisies Endangered Sea Critters
Published Date: 6/5/2025
Notice
Summary
NMFS is giving a permit that lets certain California and Pacific drift gillnet fisheries accidentally catch some protected marine mammals without breaking the law. This applies to fishers using big mesh nets targeting thresher sharks and swordfish. The permit helps keep fishing legal while protecting endangered species, with no extra costs or new deadlines for fishers right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit Allows Incidental Takes for CA Drift Gillnet Fishery
NMFS issued a permit that lets fishers in the California thresher shark and swordfish drift gillnet fishery (>=14 inch mesh) and the corresponding Pacific high seas drift gillnet component legally incidentally catch certain Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The permit applies to the Category II CA thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (>=14 in mesh) fishery and the Pacific highly migratory species drift gillnet fishery, and the agency says there are no new costs or deadlines for fishers right now.
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.
2026-17500, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish; Framework Adjustment 17
Through this action, NMFS is implementing specifications and management measures in Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action sets monkfish specifications for fishing year 2026, projects specifications for fishing years 2027 and 2028, streamlines the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measure (AM) trigger, and adds default specifications for the monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-10255, Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.; Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Unit 4; License Amendment Application; Withdrawal by Applicant
Southern Nuclear Operating Company asked to cancel a change they wanted to make at Vogtle Plant Unit 4. The change would have given them an extra 72 hours to fix a valve leak in the emergency air system. No delays or extra costs will happen because they withdrew the request.
Next: 2025-10257, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks and companies want to buy shares in banks or bank holding companies, and they’ve told the Federal Reserve about it. The Fed is checking these requests carefully and wants to hear from the public by June 20, 2025. If you’re interested, you can see the details or share your thoughts before the deadline—this helps keep bank ownership fair and transparent!