NOAA Plans Update to Coral Reef Protection Blueprint
Published Date: 5/19/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating its plan to protect coral reefs in places like Florida, Hawai'i, and the Caribbean. They want to add new ways to save and restore reefs and are asking the public to share their thoughts by June 18, 2026. This update could change how money and efforts are spent to keep coral reefs healthy and thriving.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Expanded whole-colony coral collection
NOAA will analyze expanding coral collection to include collecting whole coral colonies for use in research, coral nursery broodstock and restoration, rescue during disease outbreaks and thermal events, and preservation in gene banks.
More support for land-based coral nurseries
The supplemental PEIS will analyze expanding coral nursery activities to include more support for ex-situ/land-based coral nurseries, including expansion, maintenance, and herbivore co-culturing.
Bigger restoration sites and new techniques
NOAA will analyze expanding coral restoration to larger areas about the size of two basketball courts (approximately 1,000 m2 or 3,280 ft2), using selectively bred or preconditioned corals, and adding site preparation techniques such as stabilizing loose coral and installing three-dimensional structures for outplant survival.
Mangrove nursery and watershed restoration added
The supplemental PEIS will analyze expanded watershed restoration activities to include in-situ mangrove nursery operations and mangrove restoration.
Program alternatives could reduce or expand work
The PEIS will analyze four program-level alternatives, including Alternative One which would eliminate in-water restoration activities and actions that reduce physical impacts to reefs (for example, marine debris removal and installation of buoys), and Alternative Three which is NOAA's preferred alternative that adds the new actions and expanded methods described above.
Public scoping and comment deadline
NOAA opened a public scoping period starting May 19, 2026 and is accepting written comments through June 18, 2026 about the supplemental Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the Coral Reef Conservation Program. Federal, state, and local agencies and other interested persons are invited to submit comments by the June 18, 2026 deadline.
New ecosystem intervention methods
The PEIS will analyze expanded ecosystem intervention activities such as propagation and release of additional herbivores (for example, fish and snails) to control algae, methods to manage unwanted invasive or nuisance species (for example, soft corals), and activities to increase coral larval settlement (for example, playing natural sounds on reefs).
Temporary coral emergency response actions
NOAA will analyze expanded actions to address temporary shifts in ocean conditions, including temporary evacuation of corals to ex-situ facilities, moving coral nurseries to deeper, cooler waters, shading priority corals, and in-situ coral feeding.
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.
2026-13166 — 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09968 — Fisheries of the Caribbean; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is hosting a public webinar on June 17, 2026, to review fish stock data for Caribbean fisheries. This meeting helps fishermen, scientists, and environmental groups work together to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable. The process could lead to new fishing rules that protect the environment without hurting local jobs or the economy.
Next: 2026-09970 — SJI Board of Directors Meeting, Notice
The State Justice Institute’s Board of Directors is meeting on June 15, 2026, to review and decide on grant applications for the third quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. This affects organizations seeking funding to improve justice systems, with potential money awarded soon. The meeting will also cover other important business, all happening in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.