Alaska Cod Fishing Shut Down Until June

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.

2026-14048 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region; Abbreviated Framework Amendment 5

The government wants to update fishing rules for blueline tilefish in the South Atlantic to keep the fish population healthy and fishing fair. These changes affect fishermen and businesses by adjusting how much fish can be caught, based on the latest science. Comments on the plan are open until August 12, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!

2026-14004 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ferndale Pier Maintenance Activities in Ferndale, Washington

Petrogas Pacific wants to keep doing their pier maintenance in Ferndale, Washington, which might accidentally bother some marine mammals. The government is reviewing their request to renew permission for these activities and is asking the public to share thoughts by July 28, 2026. This renewal means the work can continue without delays, keeping the pier in good shape while protecting sea life.

2026-13867 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2026 Chub Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Specifications

Starting August 10, 2026, new fishing rules set how much chub mackerel, squid, and butterfish can be caught to keep fish populations healthy. These changes affect fishermen and businesses in the Northeast, aiming to prevent overfishing while supporting a $45 million fishery industry. The rules also look ahead to 2027 and 2028, making sure fishing stays sustainable for years to come.

Previous: 2026-10712 — Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-2.5e)

The EPA is setting new rules that require companies to tell them 90 days before making or using certain chemicals in new ways. This gives the EPA time to check if the new use is safe before it starts. These rules kick in on July 28, 2026, and affect anyone who makes, imports, or processes these chemicals, so plan ahead to avoid delays or extra costs.

Next: 2026-10722 — Montana Regulatory Program

Montana’s mining rules just got an upgrade! Starting June 29, 2026, mining companies can now define “material damage” more clearly and even submit their own water impact info if the state or feds can’t provide it. This change helps miners and regulators work smarter, keeping Montana’s land and water safer without slowing down permits or adding big costs.