NOAA Tweaks Satellite Data Paperwork for Earth Watchers
Published Date: 3/26/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating its paperwork for the Space-Based Data Collection System (DCS) that helps gather important environmental data from space. They’re removing one old satellite system and focusing on the GOES system, which mostly helps government agencies and researchers. About 225 users will spend half an hour each year on this, with no big cost changes, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
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.
2026-10096 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Starting June 22, 2026, fishermen targeting Atlantic tunas, billfish, swordfish, and sharks can no longer keep mobulid rays if they catch them. Instead, they must release these rays carefully and unharmed, following new handling rules. This change helps protect mobulid rays and follows international agreements, with no big costs expected for fishers.
2026-10065 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Prohibited Species Donation Program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) renewed permits for SeaShare, a nonprofit that donates Pacific salmon and halibut caught accidentally during Alaska groundfish fishing. This means SeaShare can keep distributing these fish to food banks and hunger relief groups from May 2026 through May 2029. Fishermen, nonprofits, and food banks benefit, with no new costs but a continued boost to fighting hunger using fish that would otherwise go unused.
2026-10106 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco got permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing in San Francisco Bay, which might bother some marine mammals nearby. This approval lasts for one year starting May 14, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. The project helps improve ferry service but must carefully protect local sea life during work.
2026-10101 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 18, 2026, catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05904 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Recreational Landings and Bluefin Tuna Catch Reports
NOAA is asking to keep collecting catch reports from recreational anglers and small-scale commercial fishers who catch Atlantic bluefin tuna and other big ocean fish. This helps track fish numbers and follow international rules, with about 14,000 people reporting 5-10 minutes each time. The request extends current rules with no new costs, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Next: 2026-05906 — Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium
The Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BIOMAP-CONSORTIUM) just added a bunch of new members from all over the U.S. and even some from other countries! This update helps protect the group from certain legal risks while they work together to improve biopharmaceutical manufacturing. If you’re part of this field, keep an eye out because membership is still open and growing.