Gulf Council Holds Meetings on Fishery Ecosystem Plans
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gulf Fishery Management Council is hosting five in-person meetings from March 23 to April 17, 2026, to talk about important issues affecting Gulf fisheries, businesses, and communities. These meetings will help shape a plan to manage the Gulf’s fishery ecosystem better, but no new rules or costs will come from this. If you care about fishing and the Gulf environment, these meetings are where the future gets discussed!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Meetings Are In-Person Only
The Gulf Council will hold five Ecosystem Working Group meetings in person only from March 23 through April 17, 2026, and virtual listen-in options will not be available. If you cannot travel to the meeting locations on those dates, you will not be able to participate remotely.
Meetings Inform Non-Regulatory Plan
These meetings will gather views to shape the Gulf Fishery Ecosystem Plan, a non-regulatory document, and the notice states that no new rules or costs will come from this planning process. The Working Group will identify Fishery Ecosystem Issues for Council prioritization between March 23 and April 17, 2026.
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.
2026-10260 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Regional Coastal Observing Systems (RCOS)
NOAA is asking for approval to keep collecting info from 11 groups involved in Regional Coastal Observing Systems. They’re updating the program’s name and cutting down the paperwork time, but the info they collect stays the same. This helps improve ocean safety, protect the environment, and boost the economy, with a small time commitment of about 75 hours per response.
2026-10318 — New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on June 8, 2026, to discuss fishing rules for Atlantic herring and river herring and shad for 2027-2031. Fishermen, environmental groups, and local communities will be affected by these decisions, which could change how much fish can be caught and help protect fish populations. The meeting is open to the public and will be held both in Portsmouth, NH, and online.
2026-10322 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The government is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let certain boats fish in areas usually off-limits to protect habitats. This permit supports a project by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation to use clam dredges in the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could change how some fishing rules apply, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-10317 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of America Trophy Fishery for 2026
Starting May 21, 2026, the Gulf of America trophy fishery for big Atlantic bluefin tuna is closed for the rest of the year. This affects recreational anglers and charter boats with special permits, stopping them from catching or keeping these giant tunas. The closure helps protect the tuna population and follows international fishing rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04488 — Office of Science Advisory Committee
The Department of Energy’s Office of Science Advisory Committee is holding its very first public meeting on March 27, 2026, in Washington, DC, with a Zoom option too! This meeting affects scientists, researchers, and anyone interested in energy science, offering updates on cool projects like quantum science and space missions. No money changes hands, but it’s a big deal for shaping future science plans—so mark your calendar and register early!
Next: 2026-04491 — Determination of Regulatory Review Period for Purposes of Patent Extension; ENSACOVE
The FDA has officially set the review period for ENSACOVE, a human drug, so its patent holder can apply for extra patent time. This affects the drug company and anyone tracking patent extensions, with deadlines to challenge dates or diligence claims by May 5 and September 2, 2026. It’s a key step to keep innovation protected while making sure the process stays fair and on schedule.