Emergency Rule Lets Fishermen Catch More Because Fish Are Thriving

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: 2026-12077, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Two Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed two species—the Sangre de Cristo peaclam and the black-backed tanager—and decided they don’t need to be listed as endangered or threatened right now. This means no new protections or funding changes for these species at the moment. But the public can still share new info anytime to help keep an eye on their status.

Next: 2026-12131, Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; Annual Management Measures for the 2026 Area 2A Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery

Starting June 15, 2026, commercial Pacific halibut fishers south of Point Chehalis, WA, will follow new fishing schedules and catch limits to protect halibut populations while still letting fishers earn their keep. These rules help balance saving fish with keeping the fishing business buzzing along the West Coast. If you’re in the halibut game in Washington, Oregon, or California, these changes are your new fishing playbook for 2026!