Science Board Gears Up for Eco-Policy Brainstorm Session

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.

2026-20501, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program

The government is asking to keep collecting info from 55 tilefish fishermen who have special fishing quotas. They want to make sure everyone follows the rules and doesn’t catch too much tilefish. This extension won’t cost extra time or money but helps keep fishing fair and sustainable.

Previous: 2025-17754, Sunshine Act Meetings

The Federal Trade Commission is holding a secret meeting to discuss a law enforcement issue. This affects anyone interested in how the FTC handles sensitive cases. No public access means the details stay under wraps, but it shows the FTC is actively working behind the scenes.

Next: 2025-17756, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V DOLCE VITA

MARAD is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V DOLCE VITA, can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 passengers. They want to hear from folks who might be affected, like U.S. boat builders or businesses using American-made vessels, before making a decision. If approved, this could shake up who gets to run these coastal rides, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!