NOAA's Ocean Research Panel Schedules Public Meeting in May

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.

2026-10119 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Full Coverage Trawl Electronic Monitoring Fee Notice

If you own a trawl fishing vessel in Alaska’s full coverage electronic monitoring program, you’ll pay a tiny fee of 0.12% for the 2025 fishing season. This fee helps cover the cost of electronic monitoring instead of human observers and is due by May 31, 2026. It’s a smart way to keep fishing fair and data accurate while saving money overall.

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.

2026-10106 — 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: 2026-06065 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Helicopter Air Ambulance, Commercial Helicopter, and Part 91 Helicopter Operations

The FAA wants to keep collecting info from helicopter air ambulance, commercial, and private helicopter operators to help keep everyone safe. They’re asking for public comments by April 29, 2026, to make sure the info they gather is useful and not too much work. This renewal won’t cost extra but helps the FAA track safety and reduce accidents.

Next: 2026-06069 — Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Ocean Research Advisory Panel

NOAA is looking for awesome people to join the Ocean Research Advisory Panel, which helps guide ocean policies for the government. If you’re into marine science, technology, policy, or represent ocean industries or local governments, now’s your chance to apply! Nominations are open for 45 days, and members serve up to six years total, helping shape the future of our oceans.