NOAA Seeks Input on California Coastal Management

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.

2026-12911 — Notice of Extended Modification to the Special Use Permit (SUP) Category for the Continued Presence of Commercial Submarine Cables Within the National Marine Sanctuary System

NOAA is extending a special rule that lets commercial submarine cables stay in new national marine sanctuaries without needing a special permit for two more years, until August 16, 2028. This affects companies that own or operate these underwater cables in sanctuaries created after August 16, 2024. NOAA is still figuring out the best way to handle permits for these cables and might change the rules later.

2026-12839 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Modify the Timing of Haul Designation for Trawl Catcher Processors in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Groundfish Fisheries

This rule changes when trawl catcher processors in Alaska’s Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea can pick their fishing spots, making the timing more flexible. It affects fishing companies by adjusting haul designations to better fit their schedules, helping them work smarter without extra costs. These changes kick in soon, aiming to keep Alaska’s groundfish fisheries running smoothly and fairly.

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.

2026-12816 — 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.

Previous: 2026-12906 — Revocation of Three Authorizations of Emergency Use of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for Detection and/or Diagnosis of COVID-19; Availability

The FDA has officially ended emergency use for three COVID-19 test kits from BD, InBios, and Roche as of early 2026. This means these specific tests are no longer authorized for quick COVID-19 detection or diagnosis. If you or your organization used these tests, it’s time to switch to other approved options—no extra costs or penalties, just a smooth transition.

Next: 2026-12908 — Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC; Application for Long-Term Authorization To Export Liquefied Natural Gas to Non-Free Trade Agreement Nations

Rio Grande LNG Train 6, LLC wants permission to export a huge amount of liquefied natural gas—about 312 billion cubic feet a year—from their Texas terminal to countries without free trade deals. This long-term plan could boost energy exports and impact global markets. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until August 25, 2026, to send in your comments or protests.