Sea Otters vs. Sardine Fishers: Report Those Cute Encounters!
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on renewing a rule that requires Pacific sardine fishers to report any sea otter encounters. This helps protect sea otters while keeping the fishery running smoothly. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just a little paperwork to keep everyone safe and informed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Sea Otter Reporting for Sardine Fishers
If you operate a Pacific sardine vessel, you must report any southern sea otter entanglement within 24 hours and other otter observations within 20 days to the Regional Administrator. Reports must include location (latitude and longitude) and a description (e.g., whether otters were inside or outside the net, number present, duration, behavior, and measures taken). The collection is mandatory, estimated at 15 minutes per response, with an estimated total annual burden of 0.5 hours and $10 in reporting costs for the two respondents listed.
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
2026-05599 — 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09089 — Board Meeting
The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board is hosting a hybrid meeting on June 9, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, to share smart lessons from other countries about safely storing nuclear waste underground. This meeting affects anyone interested in nuclear waste safety and offers a chance to speak up or learn from global experts. It’s free, open to the public, and promises to boost how we handle nuclear waste with fresh ideas.
Next: 2026-09093 — Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
The Fish and Wildlife Service got an application from a company planning to build homes in Polk County, Florida, where two special lizards live. They want permission to accidentally harm these lizards during construction but promise to protect their habitat. The public can share thoughts on this plan until June 8, 2026, before any final decisions are made.