Oops! New Rules for Businesses Bumping into Sea Mammals
Published Date: 7/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is updating the paperwork rules for companies and groups that might accidentally affect marine mammals during their work. Fewer applicants are expected, and some monitoring tasks are no longer counted in the paperwork. This update keeps protections strong while making reporting clearer, with about 405 folks involved and a big chunk of time spent on applications and reports.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory MMPA Incidental Take Filing
If your company or government agency seeks authorization for activities that might accidentally "take" marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, you must submit an annual, mandatory information collection to NOAA (OMB Control Number 0648-0151). The collection (an extension and revision) covers complete applications for Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHA) or Letters of Authorization and required monitoring and reporting information.
Large Annual Paperwork Time Burden
NOAA expects about 405 respondents and reports a total annual burden of 77,056 hours for this collection. Average hours per response include examples such as IHA Application—281 hours and LOA Initial Application Preparation—1,200 hours; reporting items (interim, draft, final) range from 28 to 640 hours, and the collection is required annually and mandatory.
PAM and PSO Monitoring Removed from Burden
NOAA removed passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and protected species observer (PSO) burden estimates from this information collection because those activities are determined not to fall under the collection's paperwork burden. As a result, PAM and PSO monitoring tasks are not counted in the OMB Control Number 0648-0151 burden estimates.
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.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14103, Agency Information Collection Activity: Application for Burial Benefits (Under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 23)
The VA wants your thoughts on updating the form for burial benefits, which helps veterans' families get the support they deserve. This is a chance for the public to comment on changes before they’re finalized. The comment period lasts 60 days, and no new costs are expected—just smoother paperwork for those who need it.
Next: 2025-14121, Sunshine Act; Deletion of Item From July 24, 2025 Open Meeting
The Commission decided to remove a personnel action from their July 24, 2025 open meeting agenda. This change affects staff promotions and appointments, including the Defense Commissioner role. No money changes or delays are expected, just a smoother meeting with fewer items to discuss.