Fishery Council Invites Public to Discuss Its Citizen Science Program
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a free, public webinar on November 19, 2026, to discuss updates and growth plans for their Citizen Science Program. This meeting affects local fishery communities, scientists, and anyone interested in helping protect ocean life. No fees are involved, but you need to register online to join and share your thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Free public webinar — register online
You can join a free, public webinar on November 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Webinar registration is required and details are posted at https://safmc.net/events/nov-2026-citizen-science-operations-ap-meeting/.
Opportunity for public comment
There will be an opportunity for public comment at the beginning of the November 19, 2026 meeting, so you can register and speak or submit comments during that time.
Discussion on expanding Citizen Science projects
The panel will discuss Citizen Science Program growth and potentially broadening the scope of projects, including a 2026 update for Citizen Science Program indicators. This is relevant to local fishery communities, scientists, and others interested in participating.
Accessibility and auxiliary aids available
The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities, and requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the council office at least 5 days before the meeting.
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.
2025-06746, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to remove the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it includes habitat changes that don’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and could shift how rules are enforced. You have until May 19, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this update aims to clarify the law without adding new costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21520, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC); Public Meeting
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are teaming up for a public meeting on November 12, 2026, to talk about new rules for recreational fishing of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. They’re considering managing for-hire fishing separately and updating permits and reporting. This could change how fishing businesses operate and how anglers enjoy these popular fish.
Next: 2026-21522, Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits
The Maine Department of Marine Resources wants special permission to try new fishing gear and use more traps than usual. This could help fishermen catch fish in ways current rules don’t allow. People have until November 5, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.