Mid-Atlantic Council to Review 2026 Flounder and Bass Fishing Rules Online

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.

2026-12494 — Notification of Comparability Findings for Suriname Under the Import Provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

Suriname fixed its fishing rules to protect marine mammals, so the U.S. is now allowing fish from Suriname’s drift gillnet fishery back into the country starting June 22, 2026. This change means Suriname’s fish products can be imported again until at least the end of 2029, helping both countries keep ocean life safe while supporting trade. If Suriname slips up, the U.S. can change this anytime.

2026-12463 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to HEX Operating, LLC Natural Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska

HEX Operating, LLC got the green light to continue their natural gas work in Cook Inlet, Alaska, from September 2026 to September 2027. This means some marine mammals might get a little disturbed, but the government says it won’t hurt their populations. The renewal keeps things moving smoothly while protecting these ocean neighbors and supporting local activities.

2026-12487 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Reporting Requirements for the Ocean Salmon Fishery Off the Coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California

NOAA is asking for public feedback on continuing the paperwork rules for salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California. This helps keep fishing sustainable while making sure reporting isn’t too much of a hassle. Comments are open until August 21, 2026, and the rules mostly keep things steady with no new costs.

2026-12303 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Final 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon

The 2026 salmon fishing rules for Cook Inlet, Alaska, are set and ready to go starting June 17, 2026. These new limits help protect salmon populations while supporting local fishermen and communities. If you fish or buy salmon from this area, expect smart management that balances nature and business through next year.

Previous: 2025-20079 — Arms Sales Notification

The U.S. is planning to sell $2.8 billion worth of support and services—not weapons—to Saudi Arabia, mainly for aircraft like the C-130 and E-3. This deal includes software, training, and spare parts, with no major defense equipment involved. The Air Force is handling this, and the sale is set to keep things running smoothly for Saudi Arabia’s military fleet.

Next: 2025-20081 — Arms Sales Notification

The U.S. is notifying Congress about a $65 million arms support deal with Iraq, focused on keeping their naval vessels in top shape and fueling joint exercises with the U.S. and Kuwait. This update bumps the deal above the usual reporting limit, so the whole program is now officially on the record. The funding comes from Foreign Military Financing and covers technical support, repairs, and fuel for upcoming exercises.