Virginia Lends Fish Quota to Jersey: Flounder Diplomacy at Work

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.

2026-05599, 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.

2026-16758, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington

In accordance with the regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, notification is hereby given that NMFS has issued a renewal incidental harassment authorization (IHA) to Petrogas Pacific, LLC (Petrogas) to harass marine mammals incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington.

2026-16756, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Analysis Assessing Potential Modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan To Reduce Mortality and Serious Injury of Large Whales in Commercial Trap/Pot and Gillnet Fisheries Along the U.S. East Coast

NMFS intends to prepare an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the impacts of alternatives to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (Plan) if determined to be necessary to reduce mortalities and serious injuries of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and other large whales caused by entanglement in commercial trap/pot and gillnet fisheries along the U.S. East Coast. This notice of intent informs the public of an upcoming scoping period to solicit input on potential efforts to reduce the risk of entanglement to right, humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in U.S. East Coast commercial trap/pot and gillnet fishing gear while stabilizing the economic viability of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, protecting coastal community heritage, and minimizing regulatory burdens to meet statutory requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other laws as well as administration priorities. A complete list of fisheries regulated by the Plan is included below. This Notice of Intent (NOI) initiates the scoping process, an early and open step designed to determine the scope of issues to be addressed in depth within the environmental analysis. This document is not a notice of proposed rulemaking.

Previous: 2026-08595, Specific Listing for Hexahydrocannabinol, A Currently Controlled Schedule I Substance

The DEA is giving hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) its own official spot on the list of Schedule I drugs, making it clear that HHC is controlled separately from other similar substances. This change starts May 4, 2026, and affects anyone making, selling, or using HHC, which stays illegal under federal law. No new fees or costs are introduced, but the update helps law enforcement and businesses know exactly where HHC stands.

Next: 2026-08613, Treatment of Income From Indian Fishing Rights-Related Activity as Compensation

Starting May 4, 2026, income earned by members of Indian Tribes from fishing rights-related work can count as compensation when figuring retirement plan limits. This change helps Tribal plan participants, sponsors, and administrators better understand and manage retirement benefits. It’s a win for Tribal workers who rely on fishing activities and want their earnings fully recognized for retirement savings.