Online Scallop Summit: Fishing Rules Get a Virtual Overhaul
Published Date: 9/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a fun online meeting to talk about scallop fishing rules in New England waters. Fishermen, seafood lovers, and coastal communities could see changes that help keep scallops healthy and fishing fair. The Council will decide soon, so stay tuned for updates that might affect fishing seasons and local jobs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible Changes to Scallop Rules
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar of its Scallop Committee to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). If you are a fisherman, seafood buyer, or live in a coastal community, these actions could change scallop fishing rules and might affect fishing seasons and local jobs.
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.
2026-05599, 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.
2026-17126, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME DMR). Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
2026-17113, Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Commercial Closure for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic
NMFS implements an accountability measure for the commercial harvest of blueline tilefish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS estimates that commercial landings of blueline tilefish will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2026 fishing year. Accordingly, NMFS closes the commercial sector of blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic EEZ to protect the blueline tilefish resource from overfishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16774, DEKRA Certification Inc.: Request for Renewal of Recognition
OSHA is reviewing DEKRA Certification Inc.'s request to renew its status as a trusted testing lab that keeps workplaces safe. This affects businesses relying on DEKRA for safety testing, with no new fees or deadlines announced yet. Stay tuned as OSHA decides whether to keep DEKRA’s recognition going strong!
Next: 2025-16776, Implementation of Fish and Fish Product Import Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act-Notification of Comparability Findings and Implementation of Import Restrictions; Certification of Admissibility for Certain Fish Products
Starting January 1, 2026, some countries won’t be allowed to sell certain fish to the U.S. if they don’t protect marine mammals properly. This rule affects foreign fish sellers and helps keep sea animals safe while making sure only certified fish products enter the U.S. market. If a country’s fishery fails the check, their fish imports get blocked until they fix things.