NOAA's Coastal Checkup: Washington's Shores Up for Review

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.

2026-13267 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Commercial Fishing Season

Starting July 13, 2026, commercial fishers in the South Atlantic can catch red snapper until January 1, 2027, or until the catch limit of about 103,000 pounds is hit. This rule helps fishers know exactly when they can fish and keeps the red snapper population healthy. If the limit is reached early, the season will close sooner to protect the fish.

2026-13195 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on July 22, 2026, to review and possibly update fishing limits for Atlantic chub mackerel and butterfish. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these changes could affect how much fish can be caught from 2027 to 2029. This meeting helps keep fishing fair and sustainable while protecting the ocean’s future.

2026-13153 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 25 (Revised)

Starting June 30, 2026, new rules update how Atlantic cod stocks are managed in the Northeast multispecies fishery. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting fresh limits and protections to stop overfishing and help cod populations bounce back. The goal? Keep fishing fun and sustainable while supporting a $40 million industry.

2026-13196 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are teaming up to figure out how to share the blueline tilefish catch limits north of Cape Hatteras. They’ll meet online in July 2026 to review data and suggest fair fishing quotas, which could affect fishermen and seafood businesses in both regions. This plan aims to keep fish populations healthy while balancing who gets to catch what.

Previous: 2026-05166 — Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee; Public Meeting

The IRS’s Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee is holding a virtual public meeting on March 25, 2026, to talk about making tax filing easier, safer, and mostly paper-free. If you care about how taxes are filed electronically or want to share your ideas, this is your chance to join or send in your thoughts by March 23. This meeting helps shape future IRS tech and could save time and prevent fraud for taxpayers everywhere.

Next: 2026-05170 — Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells Whether or Not Partially or Fully Assembled Into Other Products: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Import Relief

The U.S. just finished a 4-year import relief on solar panel parts to help American makers compete better. Now, the International Trade Commission is checking if those import rules really worked or if changes are needed. This affects solar product importers and manufacturers, with possible impacts on tariffs and trade starting February 6, 2026.