No pollock fishing in herring's winter safe zone—Alaskan seas edition

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.

2026-20125, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit

SeaShare, Inc. and Glacier Fish Co. want a special permit to keep and donate some Pacific halibut caught off Alaska instead of throwing it away. This permit would run from May 2027 to December 2028 and aims to help feed people while protecting fish populations. Fishermen, conservationists, and hunger relief groups should pay attention and can comment by mid-October 2026.

Previous: 2026-20134, Medicare Program; FY 2027 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System-Rate Update; Correction

Medicare fixed some math mistakes in the 2027 payment rules for inpatient psychiatric hospitals. This update mainly affects one hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and slightly changes payment rates and wage indexes starting October 1, 2026. These tweaks ensure hospitals get paid the right amount for the care they provide.

Next: 2026-20140, Pacific Island Fisheries; Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures for Mariana Bottomfish Management Unit Species in the Guam Management Subarea

Starting November 2, 2026, fishermen in Guam can catch more Mariana bottomfish—up from 31,000 to 34,500 pounds each year! Instead of shutting down the fishery right away if they go over, there’s now a smarter system that checks catches after the season and adjusts limits if needed. This change helps keep the fish healthy while giving fishermen a fairer chance to work and earn.