Alaska Bans Atka Mackerel Fishing to Protect 2025 Quota

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.

2026-11859 — 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.

2026-11787 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Lobster-Annual Trap Transfer Program

The government is asking lobster fishers and the public to comment on continuing the annual trap transfer program, which helps lobster fishers trade their lobster traps to fish smarter and protect lobster populations. This program affects lobster fishers along the Atlantic coast and aims to balance fishing limits with economic flexibility. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, and there’s no new cost, just a chance to share your thoughts!

2026-11788 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program

NOAA is asking for public feedback on the paperwork needed for the Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program, which helps manage how much tilefish fishermen can catch each year. This affects tilefish fishermen who hold special permits and ensures the rules stay fair and clear. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, with no new costs expected—just a chance to weigh in!

2026-11780 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Teacher at Sea Program

NOAA is asking for public feedback on their Teacher at Sea program’s info collection, which helps teachers join scientists on research ships for 2-4 weeks. This update keeps the program running smoothly and ensures it meets legal requirements, with comments due by August 10, 2026. Teachers and the public benefit from this hands-on ocean science adventure, with no new costs involved.

Previous: 2025-19771 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Ocean Perch in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Starting October 31, 2025, fishing boats in the Bering Sea’s Central Aleutian area must stop targeting Pacific ocean perch to avoid catching too many. This temporary closure affects trawl boats with limited access and lasts until the end of 2025, helping keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. If you’re in this fishery, plan ahead to avoid penalties and stay within the catch limits!

Next: 2025-19773 — Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (24-4.5e)

The EPA is setting new rules for certain chemicals that need a heads-up 90 days before anyone makes or uses them in new ways. This gives the EPA time to check if the new use is safe before it starts. These rules kick in on January 5, 2026, and affect companies making or importing these chemicals, so they should plan ahead to avoid delays or extra costs.