NOAA Lets Scientists Accidentally Harass Whales for Science
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA gave the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory permission to accidentally disturb some marine mammals during a one-year ocean survey in the Western Central Atlantic. This survey uses sound waves to study the seafloor but must follow rules to keep marine life safe. The authorization starts June 16, 2026, and ensures the impact on animals is tiny and carefully managed.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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.
2026-15886, Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery in the Gulf of America; 2026 Commercial Closure for Greater Amberjack
NMFS is closing the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America (Gulf). Federal regulations require NMFS to close commercial harvest for greater amberjack if landings reach the commercial annual catch target (ACT) during the fishing year, which NMFS has projected will occur by August 5, 2026. The commercial closure for greater amberjack will remain closed through the rest of 2026. This action is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource in the Gulf.
2026-15878, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Gulf of Maine Area Trophy Fishery for 2026
NMFS closes the Angling category Gulf of Maine area fishery for large medium and giant ("trophy" (i.e., measuring 73 inches (185 centimeters (cm)) curved fork length or greater)) Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT). This action applies to Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels when fishing recreationally.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12473, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Training, Notification and Recordkeeping (Renewal)
The EPA is asking to keep collecting info about training, notifications, and records for farmworkers who handle pesticides. This affects farmers and workers by making sure safety rules stay clear and up-to-date. You’ve got until July 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth renewal of the current system.
Next: 2026-12476, Quarterly Rail Cost Adjustment Factor
The Surface Transportation Board just approved new rail cost numbers that will take effect on July 1, 2026. These numbers show how much it costs railroads to run their business and help adjust prices fairly. Rail companies and customers can expect updated cost adjustments that keep things balanced and transparent this quarter.