Seabird Researchers Cleared to Disturb Marine Mammals
Published Date: 6/10/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA has given Point Blue Conservation Science permission to accidentally disturb a few marine mammals while doing seabird research on the South Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes Headlands from July 2026 to June 2027. This means researchers can keep studying birds without harming marine mammals, and the impact on animals will be very small. The authorization helps protect wildlife while supporting important science in California.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-11475 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops
If you’re a fisherman or shark dealer with a federal permit, you’ve got to attend free workshops this summer and fall to keep your permits valid. These workshops teach how to identify sharks and safely handle protected species, with in-person sessions in July, August, and September plus new online recertification options. No fees, just important dates and locations to remember so you stay on the right side of the rules!
2026-11474 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Nautical Discrepancy and Data Reporting System
NOAA is updating its Nautical Discrepancy and Data Reporting System, which helps keep U.S. coastal waters safe by improving nautical charts. This affects anyone involved in marine navigation and environmental protection. They’re asking for public comments by August 10, 2026, to make sure the system stays effective without adding extra paperwork or costs.
2026-11336 — Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 19
The Gulf shrimp fishery is keeping its permit freeze for 10 more years to stop too many boats from fishing and protect shrimp populations. This means no new commercial shrimp permits will be issued after October 26, 2026, helping keep the shrimp business steady and fair. Fishermen and businesses in the Gulf should share their thoughts by August 4, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-11200 — Management Track Assessment for Atlantic Herring and Georges Bank Haddock; Public Meeting
NOAA is holding a public meeting on June 29-30, 2026, to review the health of Atlantic herring and Georges Bank haddock fish stocks. This check-up helps decide fishing rules that affect fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities. Everyone’s invited to join in person or online to hear the latest science and share their thoughts before any fishing changes happen.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11579 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Miller Sands Island, Rice Island, and Cottonwood Island Pile Dike Repairs Projects on the Lower Columbia River in Oregon and Washington
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got permission to do pile dike repairs on Miller Sands, Rice, and Cottonwood Islands along the Lower Columbia River. This work might accidentally disturb some marine mammals, but it’s allowed because it won’t harm their populations. The projects will run for up to one year starting June 2026, helping keep the river safe and healthy without breaking any rules.
Next: 2026-11582 — Receipt of Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Benefit of the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit in Washington; Categorical Exclusion
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife asked for a special permit to help protect the tiny Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit by working with landowners to improve its habitat. This plan aims to connect habitats and grow the rabbit’s population while giving landowners clear rules and support. The public can share their thoughts on this plan until July 10, 2026.