Alaska Port Upgrade Okayed to Harass Seals and Whales
Published Date: 8/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Port of Alaska got permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals while upgrading its cargo terminals in Anchorage from 2026 to 2031. This project will modernize the port, helping it work better and handle more goods. The work follows rules that protect marine animals, making sure any impact is carefully managed.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-18152, Notification of Fees for Seafood Inspection Services
The NMFS Seafood Inspection Program (SIP) is notifying program participants that its fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 will remain as established on November 1, 2022.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15928, Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Federal Housing Finance Agency wants your thoughts on their rules for Appraisal Management Companies. They’re asking for comments before renewing a key approval that expired on March 31, 2025. This helps keep things fair and clear for companies involved, with no new costs expected.
Next: 2025-15932, Distribution of 2022 Cable Royalty Funds; Distribution of 2022 Satellite Royalty Funds
The Copyright Royalty Judges are kicking off the process to decide how 2022 cable and satellite royalty money gets shared. Anyone wanting a piece of the pie must file a petition and pay a $150 fee by the deadline or risk missing out. This affects TV channels, satellite services, and content creators waiting for their share of the cash.