NOAA Delays Shipwreck Anchoring Ban Until 2028
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Anchoring ban delayed to September 21, 2028
NOAA is delaying the rule that would ban grappling into or anchoring on shipwreck sites. The stay was issued July 15, 2026, and the prohibition will not take effect until September 21, 2028, so boaters and commercial vessels may continue to anchor in the sanctuary until that date.
Other shipwreck protections stay in force
Even though the anchoring ban is delayed, all other sanctuary rules still apply. The prohibition on moving, removing, recovering, altering, destroying, possessing, or otherwise injuring a sanctuary resource (15 CFR 922.223(a)(1)) remains in effect, and New York State law still makes it a violation to damage shipwrecks.
NOAA to install buoys at 16 wrecks summers 2026–2028
NOAA identified 16 shipwreck sites for the initial mooring buoy installations and intends to install buoys during summer seasons. Because buoy installation must occur in summer, NOAA will use the summers of 2026, 2027, and 2028 to complete installations before the anchoring prohibition becomes effective on September 21, 2028.
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