NOAA Seeks Input on Mariner Job Application Website

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.

2026-13267 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; 2026 South Atlantic Red Snapper Commercial Fishing Season

Starting July 13, 2026, commercial fishers in the South Atlantic can catch red snapper until January 1, 2027, or until the catch limit of about 103,000 pounds is hit. This rule helps fishers know exactly when they can fish and keeps the red snapper population healthy. If the limit is reached early, the season will close sooner to protect the fish.

2026-13166 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits; 2026-2027 Fishing Year

The California Wetfish Producers Association wants special permission to keep fishing Pacific sardines during 2026-2027, even though it might normally be banned. This is to help with important scientific research and to reduce waste by allowing some sales to cover costs. People have until July 15, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.

2026-13153 — Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 25 (Revised)

Starting June 30, 2026, new rules update how Atlantic cod stocks are managed in the Northeast multispecies fishery. These changes affect both commercial and recreational fishers by setting fresh limits and protections to stop overfishing and help cod populations bounce back. The goal? Keep fishing fun and sustainable while supporting a $40 million industry.

2026-13195 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on July 22, 2026, to review and possibly update fishing limits for Atlantic chub mackerel and butterfish. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers should pay attention because these changes could affect how much fish can be caught from 2027 to 2029. This meeting helps keep fishing fair and sustainable while protecting the ocean’s future.

Previous: 2026-08542 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your feedback on their plan to collect some info from the public. This is part of a routine check to make sure the questions they ask aren’t too much work and really help them do their job. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 1, 2026, to speak up—no cost to comment, just your time!

Next: 2026-08547 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Tournament Registration and Reporting

If you run a fishing tournament for big ocean fish like swordfish or tuna, you need to register your event and report your catch to NOAA. This update keeps the rules clear and easy, asking for info like dates and locations, with just a quick registration and a short report after the tournament. About 300 tournament operators will spend a little time on this each year, helping NOAA protect our ocean giants without breaking the bank or your schedule.