Massachusetts Fishermen Hooked: Summer Flounder Season Snaps Shut Early

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: 2025-19806 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Military Readiness Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area

Starting November 2025, the Navy and Coast Guard can carry out training and testing in the Atlantic Ocean that might accidentally affect marine mammals. These new rules let them do this safely for seven years while making sure they watch and report on any impacts. This plan balances military readiness with protecting ocean life, running through November 2032.

Next: 2025-19822 — International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Changes to Section 126.1

Starting November 7, 2025, the U.S. is lifting its defense trade embargo on Cambodia! This means companies and officials can now request defense-related exports to Cambodia more easily, with some special exemptions available. If you’re involved in defense trade, get ready for new opportunities and case-by-case approvals that could speed things up and open doors.