NJ Ships Bluefish Quota to NC: Fishy Handover Alert!

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.

2026-18607, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Greater Atlantic Region Catch Share Cost Recovery Program Updates

This final rule implements regulatory and administrative changes to improve the Greater Atlantic Region's Catch Share Cost Recovery Programs. These updates are intended to simplify regulations and reduce costs for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), Golden Tilefish IFQ, and Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) fisheries. This action will result in improved administration and management of the Atlantic sea scallop, golden tilefish, and Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Previous: 2026-18612, Medical Devices; Cardiovascular Devices; Classification of the Cardiovascular Machine Learning-Based Notification Software

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying the cardiovascular machine learning-based notification software into class II (special controls). The special controls that apply to the device type are identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for classification of the cardiovascular machine learning- based notification software. We are taking this action because we have determined that classifying the device into class II will provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative devices, in part by reducing regulatory burdens.

Next: 2026-18630, Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Prohibited Exports, Imports, and Sales to or From Certain Countries-Cyprus

The Department of State is amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to reflect current defense trade policy toward Cyprus.