Comment on Whale-Saving Ship Slowdown Form Burden
Published Date: 8/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory Logbook Entry for Speed Deviations
If you operate a vessel and legally exceed a North Atlantic right whale speed limit, you must make a logbook entry documenting the safety-related deviation. Each required logbook entry is estimated to take five minutes, and logbooks may be requested by federal authorities if questions arise.
Voluntary Surveys and Focus Group Burden
NOAA will continue voluntary surveys and focus groups of pleasure yachts and large ocean-going vessel operators to inform outreach on right whale speed restrictions. The agency estimates 3,624 respondents, with responses taking about one hour for an electronic survey or two hours and 30 minutes for focus groups, contributing to an estimated 674 total annual burden hours and an estimated total annual cost to the public of $0.00.
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.
2026-16394, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Diving Program
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
2026-16342, New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The New England Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on August 25, 2026, to discuss important updates and rules for managing local fish populations. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and ocean lovers will want to tune in as the Council reviews catch limits and monitoring plans that could affect fishing seasons and quotas. This meeting helps keep New England’s fisheries healthy and sustainable, with no immediate costs but big impacts on future fishing rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16394, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Diving Program
The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
Next: 2026-16396, National Newborn Screening Stakeholder Workgroup
HRSA provides funding to support a national center for newborn screening systems known as the National Center for Newborn Screening Systems Excellence (NBS Excel). In fiscal year 2026, supplemental funding is being provided to NBS Excel to establish a national newborn screening stakeholder workgroup. This workgroup will be a pathway for conditions to be considered and recommended for inclusion in the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) and to discuss national- level issues related to newborn screening. Membership will include representatives from a wide range of newborn screening experts and stakeholders. The award recipient will convene the workgroup and develop findings, reports, and recommendations for HRSA's review and consideration. HRSA will then make recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has final decision-making authority on updates to the RUSP.