Uncle Sam Shuffles Halibut 'No-Catch' Limits in Alaskan Waters

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.

2026-19258, Gulf Fishery Management Council and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings

The Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Councils are hosting a fun and important online meeting on October 20, 2026, to talk about new rules for catching reef fish and snapper grouper. These changes could affect how much fish can be caught and who gets to catch them, helping protect fish stocks and support fishing communities. If you care about fishing or the ocean, you can join the webinar or send your thoughts by October 2027!

Previous: 2026-16155, Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Detroit Zone

The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone for the Roostertail Fireworks in Detroit, MI, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on August 8, 2026, to protect the safety of life and property on the navigable waters of the Detroit River immediately prior to, during, and immediately after this event. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the safety zone without permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Detroit or a designated representative.

Next: 2026-16158, Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Chicago/Rockford, IL

The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Chicago/Rockford, IL to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots flying under instrument flight rules and take effect on October 29, 2026. No extra costs for the public, just clearer skies and better flight paths!