Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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.

2026-14798, Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of America and Atlantic Region; Framework Amendment 14

Fishermen and seafood lovers in the Gulf of America will see new rules for catching Spanish mackerel based on fresh science. The annual catch limit is changing, and instead of closing the season early if limits are hit, there’ll be checks after the season ends. These updates aim to keep fish populations healthy while letting folks enjoy the catch, with comments open until August 21, 2026.

2026-14790, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 36; Limited Entry Fixed Gear Follow-On Actions

Starting August 6, 2026, new rules give West Coast fixed gear fishers more freedom with their gear and fishing times, especially for sablefish. The rules also scrap some old permit limits and introduce a cost recovery program to help cover management costs. Fishers need to be ready to comply with some changes by December 1, 2027, which might affect their fishing plans and expenses.

Previous: 2026-02275, Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of America and Atlantic Region; 2025-2026 Commercial Closure for Spanish Mackerel in the Atlantic Southern Zone

Starting February 7, 2026, commercial fishers in the Atlantic Southern Zone (off South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida) must stop catching Spanish mackerel until February 28, 2026. This temporary closure helps protect the fish because the catch limit is about to be reached. If you sell Spanish mackerel commercially in this area, this means a short break from fishing and selling these tasty fish.

Next: 2026-02283, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Starting February 3, 2026, small fishing boats under 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands can’t fish for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their catch limit for the year. This temporary closure helps keep the fish population healthy and makes sure everyone sticks to their fishing quotas. It lasts until the end of 2026 and affects those small vessel fishers directly.