New England Fishery Council to Discuss Rule Changes in Portland

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.

2026-13867 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 Chub Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Specifications

Starting August 10, 2026, new fishing rules set how much chub mackerel, squid, and butterfish can be caught to keep fish populations healthy. These changes affect fishermen and businesses in the Northeast, aiming to prevent overfishing while supporting a $45 million fishery industry. The rules also look ahead to 2027 and 2028, making sure fishing stays sustainable for years to come.

2026-13808 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4

The new rule changes how rainbow runner fish are managed in Puerto Rico’s waters by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish status. This means new catch limits and rules will apply to keep fishing fair and sustainable. Fishermen and seafood businesses should get ready to follow these updates starting after the comment period ends on August 7, 2026.

2026-13809 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans

The New England Fishery Management Council wants to make fishing rules more flexible and easier to adjust during the season. This change affects fishermen and managers working with 27 fish species along the Northeast coast. Comments are open until August 7, 2026, so get ready to weigh in on how these updates could help keep fishing smart and steady without extra costs.

2026-13666 — International Fisheries; Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Conservation and Management Measures for Tropical Tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2026 and Beyond

Starting July 7, 2026, new rules will help protect tropical tunas like bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These changes affect fishing boats and aim to keep tuna populations healthy while also protecting sea turtles. The U.S. is stepping up to meet international agreements, balancing fishing with conservation without big cost surprises.

Previous: 2026-05894 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory

The Department of Education wants to keep collecting info for the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory without making changes. This affects teachers who might qualify for loan cancellation based on low income areas. You have until May 26, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or extra paperwork planned.

Next: 2026-05897 — Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

Ford Motor Company and the Borough of Ringwood, NJ, have agreed to clean up a polluted Superfund site filled with harmful chemicals like paint sludge and PCBs. They’ll also pay back some of the cleanup costs to the state and federal government. The public has 60 days to share their thoughts on this plan before it’s finalized.