NOAA Wants Feedback on Teacher at Sea Forms
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their Teacher at Sea program’s info collection, which helps teachers join scientists on research ships for 2-4 weeks. This update keeps the program running smoothly and ensures it meets legal requirements, with comments due by August 10, 2026. Teachers and the public benefit from this hands-on ocean science adventure, with no new costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Teachers: 2–4 Week Sea Research Trips
NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program selects educators to spend 2–4 weeks at sea working alongside NOAA scientists on research cruises. This opportunity is presented as professional development for educators and is intended to increase students' interest in STEM.
Application Time Burden and No Money Cost
The online application asks educators for personal and school information, teaching experience, lesson ideas, and two professional recommendations. NOAA estimates 275 respondents, the application takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, each recommendation takes 15 minutes, total annual burden is 481 hours, and the estimated total annual cost to the public is $0.
Final Report Requirement Removed
Participating educators are no longer required to submit a final report after their cruise as part of this information collection. NOAA removed the final report requirement in this submission to OMB.
Cruise Blogs and Shared Classroom Materials
Selected educators are expected to write a blog documenting their cruise and to develop classroom activities based on their experience; those materials are made available to other educators so they can benefit without going to sea. NOAA states these materials expand access to the experience for other teachers and students.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-15162, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Cost Recovery Program
NMFS publishes notification of a 0.67 percent fee for cost recovery under the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Program (Program). This action is intended to provide holders of crab allocations notice of the 2026/2027 crab fishing year fee percentage so they can calculate the required cost recovery fee payment, which must be submitted to NMFS by July 31, 2027.
2026-15161, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Greater Atlantic Region, NMFS, has made a preliminary determination that an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The EFP would allow federally permitted fishing vessels to fish outside fishery regulations in support of exempted fishing activities proposed by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require publication of this notification to provide interested parties the opportunity to comment on applications for proposed EFPs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11779, Administrative Disaster Declaration of a Rural Area for the State of Idaho
A big windstorm hit rural parts of Idaho in December 2025, causing damage to homes and businesses in Idaho and Shoshone counties. The government declared a disaster, so affected folks can now apply for low-interest loans to fix up their properties or cover lost income. You’ve got until August 7, 2026, to apply for physical damage loans and until March 8, 2027, for economic injury loans—so don’t wait!
Next: 2026-11781, City of Spokane; Notice of Intent To File License Application, Filing of Pre-Application Document (PAD), Commencement of Pre-Filing Process, and Scoping; Request for Comments on the PAD and Scoping Document, and Identification of Issues and Associated Study Requests
The City of Spokane is starting the process to renew the license for the Upriver Dam Hydroelectric Project on the Spokane River. This means they’re gathering ideas, asking for public input, and planning studies to make sure the project runs smoothly and safely. If you live nearby or care about the river, now’s the time to share your thoughts before the official application is filed later this year.