Fish council eyes budget, parental leave in Zoom huddle
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Executive Committee is meeting online on October 26, 2026, to talk about their budget for 2026 and 2027, staff benefits like paid parental leave, and plans for public hearings. This affects Council staff and anyone interested in South Atlantic fisheries management. The meeting includes a closed session on personnel and contracts, with no big money moves announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Consider Paid Parental Leave
On October 26, 2026, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Executive Committee will consider paid parental leave benefits for Council staff. The discussion could lead to changes in leave benefits for Council employees if the Committee decides to act.
Webinar Meeting and Public Comment
The Executive Committee meeting will be held via webinar from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on October 26, 2026, and webinar registration is required. The Council will post the webinar registration link, online public comment form, agenda, and briefing materials at https://safmc.net/council-meetings/ so interested members of the public can view materials and submit comments.
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.
2026-07536, 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.
2026-19801, Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Regulatory Amendment 36
Starting October 28, 2026, new rules will change how many gag and black groupers recreational fishers can catch and make it easier for commercial boats to carry special black sea bass traps through certain areas. These changes help protect fish populations while making fishing trips smoother and more practical. If you fish or work in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery, these updates affect your catch limits and gear handling.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19779, Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp From India: Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, In Part; 2025-2026
The U.S. Department of Commerce started reviewing frozen shrimp imports from India for 394 companies but found some didn’t actually ship shrimp during the review period (Feb 2025–Jan 2026). So, they’re stopping the review for those companies, while continuing it for the rest. This means only companies with shrimp entries will face possible duties or changes, effective September 28, 2026.
Next: 2026-19781, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a public meeting on November 2-3, 2026, to talk about important updates and possible changes to fishing rules for king and Spanish mackerel. Fishermen, fishery managers, and anyone interested in coastal fishing will want to tune in, as the meeting covers fishing seasons, sale rules, and new science updates. You can join in person or online, and your input could help shape future fishing plans!