Northeast Skate Catch Limits Updated for 2026 Season

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.

2026-15435, Identifying Aquaculture Opportunity Areas in U.S. Waters

NOAA is issuing this request for information (RFI) to collect information to help identify the next geographic region(s) of focus for Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOA) identification. On May 7, 2020, the White House issued an Executive Order (E.O.) on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth, which requires the Secretary of Commerce to identify geographic areas containing locations suitable for commercial aquaculture. These geographic areas are referred to as AOAs. NOAA requests data, comments, views, information, analysis, or suggestions from the public to support the identification of AOAs in U.S. waters, including geographic areas of focus. NOAA requests that interested parties provide relevant information on the identification of areas within U.S. waters for future AOAs. The public input provided in response to this RFI will inform NOAA as it works with other Federal agencies, Regional Fishery Management Councils, and in coordination with state, jurisdictional and tribal governments to identify AOAs nationally. NOAA will combine input received through consultation and coordination with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders, comments on this notice, and spatial analyses by NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), to help identify the next geographic area(s) to focus on for AOA identification. Please respond to the questions in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, as appropriate.

2026-15309, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on August 11-12, 2026, to discuss important rules for fishing Atlantic herring and other fish in New England waters. They’ll review science updates, set fishing limits for 2027-2031, and plan how to manage risks better. This affects fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities by shaping how much fish can be caught and when.

Previous: 2026-11986, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish and Golden Tilefish Fisheries; 2026 Specifications

Starting June 15, 2026, new fishing rules set how many golden and blueline tilefish can be caught north of the North Carolina/Virginia border. These limits help keep fish populations healthy while supporting both commercial and recreational fishers. If you fish or sell these tilefish, get ready for updated catch limits that balance fun, food, and the future!

Next: 2026-11990, Amendment of Jet Routes J-70 and J-94 and Amendment of Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Federal Airways V-30, V-55, V-84, V-170, and V-274 and Revocation of Jet Routes J-547 and J-548 in the Vicinity of Pullman, MI

The FAA fixed a mistake in a recent rule that changes some flight paths near Pullman, Michigan. These changes affect pilots flying on Jet Routes J-70, J-94, and several VOR airways, while removing Jet Routes J-547 and J-548. The updated rules take effect on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone involved.