Mid-Atlantic Council Sets Summer Meeting Agenda

2026-14204 — Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date

NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.

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.

Previous: 2026-10746 — Fisheries of the South Atlantic; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting

Fishermen, environmental groups, and fishery managers are invited to join a free online meeting on June 15, 2026, to review the health of South Atlantic Red Snapper. This check-up helps decide fishing rules to keep the fish population strong and fishing fair. The process is part of a bigger effort to use the best science for smart fishing decisions that protect both the ocean and the economy.

Next: 2026-10748 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting

Fishermen, scientists, and fish lovers in the Gulf of America are teaming up for a series of online meetings to check on king mackerel fish stocks. Starting June 16, 2026, these webinars will help decide if any fishing rules need to change to keep the fish healthy and the fishing industry thriving. The meetings are free and open to the public, so anyone interested can join and learn how these important decisions are made.