South Atlantic Council Plans Habitat Protection Talks
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting two online meetings in July 2026 to review and improve special fishing zones that protect important fish habitats. These meetings affect fishermen, researchers, and state agencies by shaping future fishing rules to keep fish populations healthy. If you’re involved in fishing or marine conservation, mark your calendar and get ready to join the conversation!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Webinar meetings and registration
The Council will hold two public webinars on July 9, 2026 (2:00–4:00 p.m. EDT) and July 22, 2026 (1:00–4:00 p.m. EDT). Registration is required, briefing materials and an online public comment form will be available two weeks before the meetings at https://safmc.net/workgroups/, and meetings are physically accessible with auxiliary aids available on request 5 days prior.
Workgroup to evaluate protected areas
The System Management Plan Workgroup will evaluate protected areas, including Spawning Special Management Zones and Deepwater Marine Protected Areas, review information, develop evaluations of the zones, and provide recommendations on management of the Spawning Special Management Zones. Representatives from the snapper-grouper fishery, NMFS, Council staff, state agencies, and researchers will participate.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-12988 — Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee is meeting July 15-16, 2026, to update fishing limits for Ocean Quahog and Butterfish and review data for other important fish species. These decisions affect fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities by guiding sustainable catch limits for 2027-2029. The meeting is both in-person and online, making it easy for everyone to join and stay informed.
2026-13054 — Fisheries Off West Coast States; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Annual Specifications; 2026-2027 Annual Specifications and Management Measures for Pacific Sardine
Starting July 1, 2026, most commercial fishing for Pacific sardines off Washington, Oregon, and California will be paused to help the sardine population bounce back. Only limited fishing for live bait, small catches, or special permits will be allowed. This plan sets clear catch limits to protect the fish and supports a healthier ocean and fishing future.
2026-13069 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, scientists, and fish lovers in the Gulf of America are gearing up for a big meeting to check on the health of gray triggerfish. From August 11-14, 2026, experts will review data and decide if any fishing rules need to change to keep the fish population strong. This helps protect the fish and the fishing jobs that depend on them, with no immediate costs but important future impacts.
2026-13055 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Turnagain Marine Construction's Douglas Island Cruise Ship Terminal Near Juneau, Alaska
Turnagain Marine Construction wants permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while building a new cruise ship terminal near Juneau, Alaska. The government is asking for public feedback before deciding on two one-year permits and possible renewals. Comments are open until July 29, 2026, so speak up if you care about sea life and construction plans!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12995 — Commission Meeting-Sunshine Act Notice
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is holding a public meeting on July 1, 2026, to discuss its new strategic plan and to officially cancel some old affirmative action guidelines. Anyone interested can listen in or attend in person by registering ahead of time. These changes could impact how workplace fairness rules are applied over the next few years.
Next: 2026-12985 — Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys Related to Oil and Gas Activities in the Gulf of America
NOAA just gave TGS permission to accidentally disturb a few marine mammals during their oil and gas surveys in the Gulf of America. These new authorizations run from mid-August and early September 2026 through the same months in 2027. This means TGS can keep exploring while following rules that protect sea life, with no extra costs or delays expected.