NOAA Shuts Down Harpoon Fishing for Giant Bluefin Tuna

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.

2026-17798, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a stakeholder workshop jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to facilitate a focused discussion on alternatives currently under development for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.

Previous: 2025-12599, Approval and Promulgation of State Air Quality Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; Oklahoma; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Oklahoma’s plan to control pollution from trash landfills. This means landfill operators in Oklahoma need to follow new rules to cut down harmful gas emissions, helping keep the air cleaner. These changes kick in soon and could affect how landfills manage their waste, but they’re designed to protect health without breaking the bank.

Next: 2025-12602, Air Plan Approval; Florida; Revisions to Stationary Sources-Removal of Clean Air Interstate Rule Provisions

The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to Florida’s update that cleans out old air pollution rules no longer needed. This change affects businesses with stationary pollution sources by removing outdated Clean Air Interstate Rule parts, making the rules simpler and clearer. No new costs or deadlines pop up—just a fresh, streamlined plan to keep Florida’s air safe and sound.