Parks Get Permit to Accidentally Harass Puget Sound Whales
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Washington State Parks want permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while fixing up marine facilities in North Puget Sound for the next 5 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is asking the public to share their thoughts by April 29, 2026. This project affects local sea animals but helps improve park facilities without a direct cost impact mentioned.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-20501, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program
The government is asking to keep collecting info from 55 tilefish fishermen who have special fishing quotas. They want to make sure everyone follows the rules and doesn’t catch too much tilefish. This extension won’t cost extra time or money but helps keep fishing fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06047, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Introduce an Exchange Clock Service
Cboe Exchange is launching a new Clock Service that helps traders and firms sync their clocks with the Exchange’s time. This makes tracking orders and messages super accurate and easier for everyone involved. The service is optional, open to all, and already effective as of March 16, 2026—no extra fees or delays announced yet!
Next: 2026-06051, Importer of Controlled Substances Application: Usona Institute
Usona Institute wants to become an official importer of some powerful controlled substances like mescaline and psilocybin. People who make or use these drugs can share their thoughts or ask for a hearing by April 29, 2026. This move could impact research and medical use, with no direct cost changes announced yet.