Gulf of Mexico Officially Becomes 'Gulf of America' in Mammal-Harming Permit

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.

2026-13684 — Pribilof Islands Administration; Dogs Prohibited

Starting August 6, 2026, specially trained rodent detection dogs will be allowed on the Pribilof Islands to help stop invasive rodents from harming local wildlife and communities. This change affects anyone bringing vessels or cargo to the islands, supporting efforts to protect native animals and food security. Public comments are open until the same date, with no new costs expected.

2026-13682 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62

Fishermen and fish lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! Amendment 62 changes how much red grouper can be caught and who gets to catch it, based on the latest science. Plus, the usual February-March fishing break for shallow-water grouper is gone, so you can fish year-round. Comments on these changes are open until August 6, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!

2026-13666 — International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2026 and Beyond

Starting July 7, 2026, new rules will help protect tropical tunas like bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These changes affect fishing boats and aim to keep tuna populations healthy while also protecting sea turtles. The U.S. is stepping up to meet international agreements, balancing fishing with conservation without big cost surprises.

2026-13625 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Wage Mariner Hiring Portal

NOAA is renewing its online Wage Mariner Hiring Portal, which helps people apply for mariner jobs on government ships. About 1,000 applicants fill out info like licenses, work history, and education, taking about an hour each. This extension keeps the portal running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, and the public can comment for 30 more days.

Previous: 2025-22197 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Emergency Request for Temporary Reinstatement

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council is asking for a quick OK to restart collecting info that helps track big infrastructure projects under the FAST-41 law. This emergency move keeps the project list active and ensures smooth federal reviews without delays. They need a decision by November 28, 2025, so projects can keep moving forward without costing extra time or money.

Next: 2025-22199 — Siberian Airlines d/b/a S7 Airlines, 633104, Russia, Novosibirskaya obl., g. Ob. prospekt Mozzherina, d. 10 ofis 201; Order Renewing Temporary Denial of Export Privileges

Siberian Airlines, also known as S7 Airlines from Russia, is having its export privileges temporarily denied again because it keeps breaking important trade rules. This ban stops them from sending certain goods out of the U.S. and will continue until further notice to protect public safety. The government is serious about making sure these rules are followed, so this restriction could affect Siberian’s business and shipments for a while.