NOAA Adjusts When Alaska Trawlers Must Declare Their Hauls

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.

2026-12816 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a webinar on July 20, 2026, to review and possibly update fishing limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. This affects commercial and recreational fishers who rely on these species. The meeting will help set fair catch limits for 2027 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing sustainable.

2026-12783 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Fish and Fish Products Subject to Certification of Admissibility Requirements

The government is asking for approval to keep collecting info about fish and fish products that need special certification before entering the U.S. This affects businesses that import seafood, making sure their products meet safety rules. No big changes or costs are expected, but the review helps keep everything running smoothly and on time.

2026-12751 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; West Coast Region Permit Family of Forms

NOAA is updating its West Coast fishing permit forms to remove duplicates and add new reports for special fishing and research activities. About 1,164 fishers and researchers will spend a total of 421 hours yearly filling out these forms, which now better match real-world rules. You’ve got 30 days to share your thoughts before these changes get the green light!

2026-12724 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Gear-Marking Requirements for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

NOAA is asking for public feedback on renewing rules that require fishermen to mark their gear to protect big whales in the Atlantic. This helps track and reduce whale injuries caused by fishing equipment. Comments are open until August 24, 2026, and the changes won’t cost fishermen extra but help keep whales safe and fishing sustainable.

Previous: 2026-12838 — Safety Zone; Rainy Lake, City of Ranier, MN

The City of Ranier, MN is setting up a special safety zone on Rainy Lake to keep everyone safe during certain activities. This means some parts of the lake will have restricted access for a limited time, so boaters and visitors should pay attention to the new rules. No fees are involved, but the changes will be active during specific dates to protect people and property.

Next: 2026-12856 — Prohibition on the Use of Reputation Risk

This document says that using 'reputation risk' as a reason for decisions is now banned for certain federal agencies. It affects how these agencies handle risks and make choices, aiming for clearer, fairer actions without worrying about image damage. The change kicks in right away and helps keep government work honest and straightforward.