NOAA Seeks Permit to Study 47 Marine Mammal Species

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.

2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America

Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.

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.

2026-20019, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish Reserves in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Starting October 30, 2026, NMFS is adjusting how much fish can be caught in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to keep fishing going smoothly. This affects fishermen targeting Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and other flatfish by setting new catch limits until the end of the year. They’re also asking for public feedback by October 15, so everyone has a chance to weigh in.

Previous: 2026-13170, Agency Information Collection Extension

The Department of Energy is extending its info collection for the State Energy Program for three more years. This affects 56 grantees who report on how they use grant money from the program and the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Comments on this extension are due by August 31, 2026, and the goal is to keep tracking funds are spent wisely without adding extra hassle.

Next: 2026-13172, Funding Opportunities: Bond Guarantee Program, FY 2026; Notice of Guarantee Availability

The U.S. Treasury is offering up to $500 million in bond guarantees for 2026 to help community lenders raise money for local projects. If you’re a qualified issuer, you need to apply by early July to get in on this chance. This program supports community development by making it easier to fund important neighborhood improvements before the end of the year.