NOAA Lets Submarine Cables Hide in Sanctuaries Longer
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Two-Year Permit Suspension Extended
NOAA is extending a temporary suspension so that the special use permit (SUP) category does not apply to the continued presence of commercial submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, through August 16, 2028. During this period NOAA will not require or issue SUPs for those cables.
Older Sanctuaries Still Require SUPs
Commercial submarine cables located in national marine sanctuaries designated before August 16, 2024 remain subject to the SUP category and any terms and conditions of currently effective SUPs. NOAA continues to apply the SUP requirements to those earlier-designated sanctuaries.
Prohibited Cable Work Still Restricted
Even where the SUP category is suspended for presence, activities that would violate NOAA regulatory prohibitions in sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024—such as cable installation, maintenance, or repair—remain prohibited unless approved by other NOAA mechanisms like certifications, authorizations, or general permits. Operators must obtain other NOAA approvals for such activities.
NOAA May Revise Cable Permit Rules
NOAA is continuing to evaluate options for permitting submarine cables in sanctuaries and may change the permitting approach in the future, including through a separate rulemaking action. NOAA will respond to public comments in a later Federal Register notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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