Government OKs OOPS: Scaring Seals to Save Seabirds?
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Notice
Summary
Point Blue Conservation Science wants permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals while studying seabirds on the South Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes. The government is asking for public comments before deciding to approve this for one year, with a possible one-year extension. This helps protect marine life while supporting important research, with feedback due by May 11, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
One-year permit to disturb pinnipeds
NMFS is proposing a 1-year incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that would allow Point Blue to incidentally disturb (Level B harassment only) five pinniped species (six stocks) while doing seabird research. The proposed IHA would run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and NMFS may issue a one-time, one-year renewal if conditions are met.
Mandatory mitigation, monitoring, and reporting
If the IHA is issued, Point Blue must follow specific mitigation and monitoring rules: train staff before work starts, avoid direct interaction with marine mammals, keep personnel generally >50 ft (15.2 m) or >100 ft (30.5 m) away where described, halt work if a prohibited take (injury or death) occurs, and submit a draft annual monitoring report within 90 days after project end (or 60 days before a subsequent IHA). Immediate reporting is required for injured or dead marine mammals and other unusual observations.
Public comment opportunity and deadline
NMFS is asking for public comments on the proposed IHA and possible one-year renewal; comments must be received by May 11, 2026, via the provided NMFS email address. NMFS will review comments before making a final decision and will summarize agency responses in the final notice.
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
2026-04256 — 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 when and where shark fishing is allowed in the Mid-Atlantic and adjust boundaries off Charleston and East Florida to better protect sharks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear with Atlantic HMS permits will need to pay for electronic monitoring if they fish in certain safer zones. These updates help keep shark populations healthy while making fishing smarter and fairer.
2026-09776 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of Adak Pier 5 Improvements Project at Adak Island, Alaska
The Aleut Corporation got permission to do construction work on Pier 5 at the Port of Adak, Alaska, which might accidentally bother some local marine mammals. This project runs for one year starting May 12, 2026, and includes rules to keep harm to animals as low as possible. It’s a big step to improve the port while protecting wildlife and respecting local needs.
2026-09665 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Gulf of Alaska Chinook Salmon as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act
After a full review, NOAA decided that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon aren’t in danger of disappearing right now, so they won’t be listed as threatened or endangered. This means fishermen and communities can keep enjoying these salmon without new restrictions or costs for now. The decision was announced on May 14, 2026, and NOAA will keep watching to protect these fish if things change.
2026-09699 — North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting from June 9-11, 2026, to review the health of the Eastern Bering Sea Tanner crab population. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and communities relying on crab fishing, as the review could lead to changes in fishing rules. The meeting is in Seattle and requires advance registration, signaling careful planning and possible future impacts on crab fishing limits and local economies.
2026-09669 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting May 12, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear by catcher/processors in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This pause lasts until September 1, 2026, helping keep the fish population healthy and the fishing fair. Fishermen using this gear in this area need to plan around this closure to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
2026-09617 — 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 consistent across the Northeast. If approved, these changes will affect fishermen and fishery managers by simplifying some administrative steps without changing catch limits. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new rules could take effect.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07023 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Title: Amendment to Registration Statement of Foreign Agents (Form NSD-5)
The Department of Justice is updating a form (NSD-5) that foreign agents use to report changes in their registration. This update affects anyone who files this form and asks for public feedback by June 9, 2026. The goal is to make the form clearer and easier to use without adding extra costs or time burdens.
Next: 2026-07025 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General is officially ending a record system called “Investigative Files” as of April 10, 2026. This change means all related criminal investigation records will now be kept under a different system, streamlining how they manage sensitive info. If you’re involved with these records, expect smoother handling but no new costs or delays.