NOAA Science Board Gets Routine Charter Extension Approval

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.

2025-05481, Regulations Enhancing the Administration of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Trade Remedy Laws; Correction

The Department of Commerce fixed some accidental mistakes in their trade rules that were published in December 2024. They put back important deadlines and details that were accidentally deleted and corrected a couple of typos. These fixes take effect on March 31, 2025, helping businesses and officials follow clear and accurate trade rules without confusion or delays.

Previous: 2025-13429, Certain Polyvinylidene Fluoride Resins; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Motion To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation

The U.S. International Trade Commission decided to keep changes that update the complaint and investigation about certain polyvinylidene fluoride resins. This affects companies involved in making or selling these resins and means the investigation will move forward with the new details. No delays or extra costs were announced, so things are on track and clear.

Next: 2025-13431, Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy other banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by August 18, 2025. This affects banks and their owners, and could lead to new bank mergers or acquisitions soon.