New Permits Issued for Marine Mammal and Endangered Species Studies
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The government just approved new permits for scientists and groups studying and protecting marine mammals and endangered species. These permits let them do important research and conservation work, starting now and into 2026. If you’re involved in marine life research or care, these changes could affect your projects and funding.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Permits Issued for Marine Mammal Research
If you are involved in marine mammal or endangered species research or conservation, NOAA issued permits (File Nos. 26599, 28810, 29010, and 29182) allowing research and conservation activities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The table lists issuance dates of October 27, 2022 (File 26599), November 20, 2025 (File 29010), December 15, 2025 (File 29182), and January 9, 2026 (File 28810).
NEPA Exclusion and ESA Findings
NOAA determined the proposed activities were categorically excluded from preparing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act. As required by the Endangered Species Act, issuance of these permits was based on findings that the permits were applied for in good faith, will not operate to the disadvantage of endangered species, and are consistent with the purposes and policies in section 2 of the ESA.
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.
2026-17016, Notice of Mission Authorization Pilot Program
Pursuant to Section 5 of Executive Order 14335, "Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry," the Office of Space Commerce (OSC) seeks to implement a streamlined, unified, whole-of- government mission authorization framework for novel in-space activities. To refine this proposed Space Commerce Certification (SCC) framework, OSC is inviting expressions of interest from U.S. entities in participating in a pilot phase.
2026-17003, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2025-2026 Biennial Specifications and Management Measures; Inseason Adjustments
This final rule announces routine inseason adjustments to management measures in commercial groundfish fisheries. These inseason adjustments will increase sablefish trip limits in the limited entry (LE) and open access (OA) sectors north and south of 36[deg] North latitude (N lat.), and reduce vermilion/sunset rockfish sub-trip limits within the shelf rockfish complex in the LE and OA sectors south of 34[deg]27' N lat. This action is intended to allow commercial fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting overfished and depleted stocks.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03184, Agency Information Collection Extension
The Department of Energy is extending its info collection for loan guarantees on energy projects for three more years. If you’re involved in these projects, you might need to share some info again, but the goal is to keep things clear and easy. Comments on this plan are due by April 20, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!
Next: 2026-03187, Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act
The government is teaming up with West Virginia to hold Antero Resources accountable for polluting the air with harmful chemicals from their oil and gas tanks. Antero must fix their equipment, reduce pollution, and pay a $3.8 million fine. People have 30 days to share their thoughts before the deal is final.