Navy Seeks Permit for Accidental Arctic Marine Mammal Disturbance
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Naval Research wants permission to accidentally disturb some Arctic marine mammals during their research in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The National Marine Fisheries Service is asking the public to comment on this plan and a possible one-year extension before making a final decision. Comments are due by August 21, 2026, and this helps balance important research with protecting marine life.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-14798, Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Gulf of America and Atlantic Region; Framework Amendment 14
Fishermen and seafood lovers in the Gulf of America will see new rules for catching Spanish mackerel based on fresh science. The annual catch limit is changing, and instead of closing the season early if limits are hit, there’ll be checks after the season ends. These updates aim to keep fish populations healthy while letting folks enjoy the catch, with comments open until August 21, 2026.
2026-14790, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 36; Limited Entry Fixed Gear Follow-On Actions
Starting August 6, 2026, new rules give West Coast fixed gear fishers more freedom with their gear and fishing times, especially for sablefish. The rules also scrap some old permit limits and introduce a cost recovery program to help cover management costs. Fishers need to be ready to comply with some changes by December 1, 2027, which might affect their fishing plans and expenses.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14815, Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Telemanagement Forum (TM Forum)
TM Forum just added a bunch of new members from all over the world, including companies and universities, to their tech teamwork group. This update keeps their special legal protection against big antitrust lawsuits, meaning they only have to pay actual damages if any issues arise. These changes took effect on June 18, 2026, and help keep innovation flowing without costly legal roadblocks.
Next: 2026-14817, Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-OpenJS Foundation
The OpenJS Foundation just added two new members, TuxCare and Aikido Security, to their tech team-up. This update keeps their special legal protections against big antitrust lawsuits in place, meaning they only face real damage claims. No other changes happened, and the group is still open for more members to join anytime.