Coast Guard Ships Get Green Light to Ruffle Whale Feathers in Rhode Island
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Coast Guard wants to build and homeport new Offshore Patrol Cutters at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, which might disturb local marine mammals. NOAA is proposing to allow some accidental disturbance during construction for two years, with a chance to renew once each year if rules are followed. They’re asking the public to comment by March 25, 2026, before making a final decision.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-12303 — 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.
2026-12307 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Virginia
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Virginia to help both states meet their fishing goals. This change starts June 17, 2026, and lasts through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair. Commercial fishers in both states will see updated limits, keeping the summer flounder fishery healthy and on track.
2026-12194 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coastal Zone Management Program Administration
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their paperwork about managing U.S. coastal areas. This helps make sure the forms are clear and not too much work for states and others involved. Comments are open until August 17, 2026, and this update won’t cost extra money but keeps the program running smoothly.
2026-12175 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures
Starting January 1, 2027, new rules will limit how much shallow-water grouper fish can be caught in the Gulf of America, especially scamp and yellowmouth grouper. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting lower catch limits and a fixed closed season for recreational fishing to help protect these fish while more long-term plans are developed. The goal is to keep grouper populations healthy and fishing fun for years to come.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03474 — Marine Mammals; File No. 28985
The Minnesota Zoological Gardens wants permission to care for one special Hawaiian monk seal that can’t go back to the wild. They’ll provide daily care, medical treatment, and use the seal for research and education for the next 10 years. People have until March 25, 2026, to share their thoughts or ask for a public hearing.
Next: 2026-03477 — Silicon Metal From Angola: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Classification of Angola as a Non-Market Economy
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that silicon metal from Angola is being sold in the U.S. for less than its fair price. Starting February 23, 2026, Angola will be treated as a non-market economy, which means stricter trade rules apply. This affects importers and could lead to higher duties or changes in how imports are checked.