Shallow Grouper Quota Paused: Fishery Prep for New Limits

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.

2026-16756, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Analysis Assessing Potential Modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan To Reduce Mortality and Serious Injury of Large Whales in Commercial Trap/Pot and Gillnet Fisheries Along the U.S. East Coast

NMFS intends to prepare an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the impacts of alternatives to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan) if determined to be necessary to reduce mortalities and serious injuries of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and other large whales caused by entanglement in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries along the U.S. East Coast. This notice of intent informs the public of an upcoming scoping period to solicit input on potential efforts to reduce the risk of entanglement to right, humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in U.S. East Coast commercial trap/pot and gillnet fishing gear while stabilizing the economic viability of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, protecting coastal community heritage, and minimizing regulatory burdens to meet statutory requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other laws as well as administration priorities. A complete list of fisheries regulated by the Plan is included below. This Notice of Intent (NOI) initiates the scoping process, an early and open step designed to determine the scope of issues to be addressed in depth within the environmental analysis. This document is not a notice of proposed rulemaking.

2026-16758, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington

In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Petrogas Pacific, LLC (Petrogas) to harass marine mammals incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington.

Previous: 2025-23754, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to New York

North Carolina is sharing part of its 2025 summer flounder fishing quota with New York to help both states make the most of their catch limits. This temporary change runs from December 22 to December 31, 2025, ensuring the fishery stays balanced and fair. Fishermen in both states should get ready for this quota update that helps keep the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.

Next: 2025-23758, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer From New York to North Carolina

New York is sharing 100,000 pounds of its 2025 bluefish catch quota with North Carolina to help balance fishing opportunities this year. This temporary change runs from December 22 to December 31, 2025, letting North Carolina catch more bluefish while keeping the total catch fair and sustainable. Fishermen in both states will feel the impact as they adjust to the new limits.