Navy Seeks Permission to Harass Seals During 2026 Arctic Ice Drills
Published Date: 11/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Navy plans to conduct Ice Exercise Activities in the Arctic Ocean in 2026, which might accidentally disturb some marine mammals. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is asking the public to comment on a proposed permit that would allow this limited impact while ensuring protection measures. Comments are due by December 15, 2025, and a possible one-year permit renewal could follow if all rules are met.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-16642, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ferry Berth Construction in Tongass Narrows in Ketchikan, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA). The initial IHA authorized take of 11 species of marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Ferry Berth in Ketchikan, Alaska.
2026-16595, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the City of Hoonah's Cargo Dock Project, Hoonah, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from the City of Hoonah (Hoonah) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of 8 species (12 stocks) of marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Cargo Dock Project in Hoonah, Alaska. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19883, Notice of Permanent Closure; Indianapolis Downtown Heliport, Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indianapolis Downtown Heliport will close for good on December 15, 2025. This affects pilots and businesses that use the heliport, which has been part of the city’s air system for years. The Indianapolis Airport Authority gave plenty of notice, and the FAA is officially releasing them from federal rules tied to the heliport after all steps are done.
Next: 2025-19890, Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability
The EPA just announced new Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for projects like the Matagorda Ship Channel upgrade in Texas. If you live near these projects or care about the environment, now’s your chance to review and comment before December 29, 2025. These updates help keep projects safe for people and nature without costing extra money.