NOAA Seeks Feedback on Fishing Vessel Tracking Rules

2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date

NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.

2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.

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.

2026-16642, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Ferry Berth Construction in Tongass Narrows in Ketchikan, Alaska

NMFS has received a request from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA). The initial IHA authorized take of 11 species of marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Ferry Berth in Ketchikan, Alaska.

2026-16595, Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the City of Hoonah's Cargo Dock Project, Hoonah, Alaska

NMFS has received a request from the City of Hoonah (Hoonah) for the re-issuance of a previously issued incidental harassment authorization (IHA) with the only change being effective dates. The initial IHA authorized take of 8 species (12 stocks) of marine mammals, by harassment only, incidental to construction associated with the Cargo Dock Project in Hoonah, Alaska. The project has been delayed and none of the work covered in the initial IHA has been conducted. The scope of the activities and anticipated effects remain the same, authorized take numbers are not changed, and the required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting remains the same as included in the initial IHA. NMFS is, therefore, issuing a second identical IHA to cover the incidental take analyzed and authorized in the initial IHA.

Previous: 2026-13090, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 15g-9

The SEC wants to keep penny stock trading safe by extending a rule that makes broker-dealers check if penny stock trades are right for their customers. About 162 broker-dealers who trade penny stocks must keep collecting info, giving clear warnings, and waiting two days before making trades. This extension keeps the rules steady with no new costs, and the SEC is asking for public comments before moving forward.

Next: 2026-13093, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in July 2026 to review and evaluate important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding who gets funding for exciting health research. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note these dates as they impact who gets money to push science forward.