NOAA's Ocean Board Dives into Exploration Plans Online

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.

2026-10003 — Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing five new plans to raise and release salmon in Washington’s Puyallup River, managed by the state and the Puyallup Tribe. They want your thoughts on these plans by June 18, 2026. These changes aim to protect salmon while supporting local hatchery programs, with no immediate costs to the public.

2026-09968 — Fisheries of the Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting a public webinar on June 17, 2026, to review fish stock data for Caribbean fisheries. This meeting helps fishermen, scientists, and environmental groups work together to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable. The process could lead to new fishing rules that protect the environment without hurting local jobs or the economy.

2026-09973 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2026 Specifications and Management Measures

Starting May 16, 2026, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught, balancing the needs of commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes. The changes aim to protect salmon for future seasons while making sure everyone gets a fair share until May 16, 2027.

2026-09884 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on Interstate 5 between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project on I-5 between Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, will run from September 2027 to September 2032. During construction, some marine mammals might be disturbed, but NOAA has set rules to keep impacts as low as possible. This plan includes monitoring and reporting to protect local wildlife while upgrading the bridge.

Previous: 2026-03814 — Notice of Formal Determination on Records Release

The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board decided to release 1,300 pages of important records about four civil rights cold cases. This means the public can now access these documents, with no delays or extra costs. The decision was made on February 20, 2026, and announced quickly to keep things transparent and timely.

Next: 2026-03816 — Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The NIH’s Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on March 30-31, 2026, to review and decide on important research grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while helping decide who gets funding to explore health topics like blood vessels, kidneys, and brain disorders. Researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions but don’t involve public attendance or extra costs.