NOAA Lets Submarine Cables Hide in Sanctuaries Longer

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.

2026-12839 — 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.

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!

Previous: 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.

Next: 2026-12914 — New Postal Products

The Postal Service has asked for approval to add or change some special mail deals that compete with other delivery options. This affects businesses and customers who use these competitive services, possibly offering new choices or better prices soon. The public can comment on these changes before the Postal Regulatory Commission makes a final decision.