Zoom In on Samoa Bottomfish: Fishery Meeting Calls Experts

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.

2026-13195 — 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.

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.

2026-13196 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are teaming up to figure out how to share the blueline tilefish catch limits north of Cape Hatteras. They’ll meet online in July 2026 to review data and suggest fair fishing quotas, which could affect fishermen and seafood businesses in both regions. This plan aims to keep fish populations healthy while balancing who gets to catch what.

Previous: 2026-08728 — National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property Insurers, Notice of FY 2027 Arrangement

FEMA is inviting private insurance companies to join the National Flood Insurance Program’s Write Your Own (WYO) Program for Fiscal Year 2027. These companies can sell and manage flood insurance policies under their own names with financial help from FEMA. Interested insurers need to sign up by September 2, 2026, to get involved and help protect homes from flood damage.

Next: 2026-08730 — Notice of Request for Comment on an Exposure Draft Titled Embedded Leases Practical Expedient

The Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board wants your thoughts on a new rule about 'embedded leases'—those sneaky lease agreements hidden inside bigger contracts. This change affects federal agencies and could make accounting simpler and clearer, possibly saving time and money. You’ve got until July 30, 2026, to share your ideas and help shape the final rule!