NOAA Revises Rules for Deep-Sea Mineral Mining
Published Date: 8/4/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating the rules for companies that want to explore and mine valuable minerals from the deep ocean floor. These changes affect anyone applying for exploration licenses or commercial mining permits and aim to make the process clearer and more efficient. Public virtual hearings will happen in early September 2025, giving everyone a chance to share their thoughts before the new rules take effect.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.
2026-12194 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coastal Zone Management Program Administration
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their paperwork about managing U.S. coastal areas. This helps make sure the forms are clear and not too much work for states and others involved. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and this update won’t cost extra money but keeps the program running smoothly.
2026-12175 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures
Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will limit how much shallow-water grouper fish can be caught in the Gulf of America, especially scamp and yellowmouth grouper. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting lower catch limits and a fixed closed season for recreational fishing to help protect these fish while more long-term plans are developed. The goal is to keep grouper populations healthy and fishing fun for years to come.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14655 — Certain Dermatological Treatment Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Terminating the Remand Proceedings Based on Settlement; Termination of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to end the investigation into certain skin treatment devices and their parts because the parties settled. This means no more legal back-and-forth, and everyone involved can move on without extra costs or delays. If you make or sell these devices, this is your green light to keep going as usual.
Next: 2025-14658 — Notice of Availability of a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Nationwide Operation of Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Department of Homeland Security is sharing a draft report that checks if using special tech to stop drones across the country will harm the environment. They found it won’t cause big problems and want your thoughts before moving forward. This affects anyone involved in drone safety and could shape how the government tests and trains with these systems soon.