Halibut Anglers Get Surprise Extra Days in June

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.

2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.

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.

2026-18484, Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; 2027 Red Grouper Commercial Quota Retention

NMFS proposes to implement management measures described in a framework action under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf (FMP), as prepared by the Gulf Council (Council). If implemented, this proposed rule would withhold a portion of the commercial allocation of Gulf of America (Gulf) red grouper for the 2027 fishing year in anticipation of the upcoming rulemaking to implement Amendment 63 to the FMP (Amendment 63). If implemented by NMFS, Amendment 63 would establish a pilot program for setting aside a portion of the red grouper commercial quota for a quota pool. This proposed rule would withhold a portion of the red grouper commercial quota for the 2027 fishing year in the amount necessary to establish that quota pool. This withheld quota would otherwise be allocated to shareholders in the Individual Fishing Quota program for Gulf grouper and tilefishes (GT-IFQ) program on January 1, 2027.

Previous: 2026-11221, Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Amendment 55

Starting July 6, 2026, new rules will help protect scamp and yellowmouth grouper by setting catch limits and creating a rebuilding plan. Fishermen and seafood businesses in the South Atlantic will see changes to how these fish are managed to keep stocks healthy and fishing sustainable. These updates aim to balance good fishing with protecting the fish and the people who rely on them.

Next: 2026-11267, American Fisheries Act Program Update; Simplifying the Application Process

Starting June 4, 2026, owners of U.S.-flag fishing vessels 100 feet or longer will enjoy a simpler, faster way to prove their U.S. citizenship when renewing their American Fisheries Act paperwork. The new rules cut out extra personal info like social security numbers and update how companies show citizenship, saving time and hassle. This means less paperwork stress and a smoother process for fishing industry folks!