Gulf of America? NOAA Okays Oil Surveys with Whale Safeguards
Published Date: 9/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Anadarko Petroleum just got the green light to do geophysical surveys for oil and gas in the Gulf of America, but they have to be careful not to harm marine mammals. This update changes the area name from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America and keeps rules in place to protect sea life. The new authorization means surveys can continue smoothly while keeping marine mammals safe.
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.
2026-11987 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; 2026 and Projected 2027 and 2028 Specifications
Starting June 15, 2026, new skate fishing rules kick in for the Northeast U.S. These rules set catch limits for 2026 and projections for 2027 and 2028, while letting fishers keep more skate wings and bait per trip. This helps protect skate populations and gives fishers more freedom to work smart and steady.
2026-11960 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the City of Kodiak St. Herman Harbor Infrastructure Rebuild Project
The City of Kodiak got permission to do construction work on St. Herman Harbor that might accidentally disturb some local marine mammals. This work will happen in two phases, each lasting up to a year starting June 2026, and the project promises to keep impacts on animals very low. It’s a big step to improve the harbor while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
2026-11986 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish and Golden Tilefish Fisheries; 2026 Specifications
Starting June 15, 2026, new fishing rules set how many golden and blueline tilefish can be caught north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. These limits help keep fish populations healthy while supporting both commercial and recreational fishers. If you fish or sell these tilefish, get ready for updated catch limits that balance fun, food, and the future!
2026-11859 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, environmental groups, and fishery managers in the Gulf and South Atlantic are invited to join a free webinar on June 29, 2026, kicking off a big review of Black Sea Bass fish stocks. This review will help decide how to keep fishing fair and fish populations healthy, with no immediate cost changes but important future management decisions ahead. Everyone’s input counts in this step-by-step process to protect our ocean friends and fishing jobs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-18162 — Name of Information Collection: Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog Crew Application
NASA is asking people interested in space missions to apply for the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog program. This helps NASA learn how to keep astronauts healthy and sharp during long space trips. If you want to join or comment, now’s the time—no big costs, just your time and input!
Next: 2025-18165 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found that some human remains belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these remains will be returned to the right communities. If you’re part of these groups, now’s the time to pay attention and get involved!