Tope Sharks in Africa and Atlantic Face Threatened Status
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
NOAA reviewed the tope shark and found it has six groups. Two groups—off Southern Africa and the Southwest Atlantic—are at risk and may be listed as threatened soon. This means new protections could affect fishing and conservation efforts, with public comments open until June 15, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Tope Shark Groups Proposed Threatened
NOAA (NMFS) proposes to list the Southern Africa and Southwest Atlantic distinct population segments (DPSs) of the tope shark as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in a proposed rule published April 15, 2026. This proposed listing could lead to new ESA protections that affect fishing and conservation efforts in those regions; public comments are open through June 15, 2026.
Four Tope Shark Groups Not Listed
NOAA determined that the Northeast Atlantic, Northeast Pacific, Southwest Pacific, and Southeast Pacific DPSs of the tope shark do not meet the ESA definition of threatened or endangered and therefore are not proposed for listing. That decision maintains the current status and avoids new ESA listing-related protections in those four regions.
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: 2026-07292 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Cook Inlet; Proposed 2026 Harvest Specifications for Salmon
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing new salmon fishing limits for Cook Inlet in 2026 to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. This affects fishermen and communities relying on these waters, with a chance to share your thoughts by April 30, 2026. The goal? Smart rules that protect salmon while supporting local fishing jobs and traditions.
Next: 2026-07297 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus A321 planes stay safe by checking some parts where the plane’s body is joined. They found a manufacturing hiccup and now want regular inspections to catch cracks early and fix them if needed. Airlines need to comment by June 1, 2026, and be ready for these checks, which could cost some time and money but keep flights safe and sound.