Western Pacific Council Schedules Ocean Rule Discussions

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.

2026-13625 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Wage Mariner Hiring Portal

NOAA is renewing its online Wage Mariner Hiring Portal, which helps people apply for mariner jobs on government ships. About 1,000 applicants fill out info like licenses, work history, and education, taking about an hour each. This extension keeps the portal running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, and the public can comment for 30 more days.

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.

Previous: 2026-09927 — Notice Announcing Promise Neighborhoods Program Competition

The Promise Neighborhoods Program is calling on colleges, tribes, and nonprofits to apply for grants that help kids in tough communities succeed in school and life. Applications are due by August 6, 2026, and focus on boosting literacy, learning, and family support. This is a big chance to bring real change and funding to neighborhoods that need it most!

Next: 2026-09929 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are teaming up for a public webinar on June 22, 2026, to review how summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries are doing. They’ll use this info to help set fishing limits and rules for 2027, affecting both commercial and recreational fishers. This meeting helps keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair for everyone.