NOAA Casts Its Fishing Survey Across More Southeastern States
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating its fishing and boating survey to cover more Southeastern states, not just Florida. This means more anglers and boaters will share their habits, helping NOAA understand regional fishing better. They’re asking for public comments by January 4, 2027, but the survey won’t take more time or cost more money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Survey expands from Florida to Southeast
NOAA is changing the survey name from the "Florida Fishing and Boating Survey Pilot" to the "Southeast Fishing and Boating Survey" to cover additional Southeastern states beyond Florida. This means marine anglers and boat owners with a license in the Gulf of America or Atlantic may now be included in the sample.
Survey participation time and cost unchanged
The survey is voluntary and will be done online via an email invitation. NOAA estimates 3,120 respondents, each taking about 3 minutes, for a total annual burden of 156 hours and an estimated cost to the public of $0.00.
Data to inform regulatory economic analyses
NOAA will use survey responses to evaluate how boaters and anglers change behavior in response to trip costs and regulatory updates, and to support economic impact analyses of regulatory revisions such as bag limits or season lengths. The data will also be used to build predictive models of regional fishing and boating participation.
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: 2026-22568, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
Starting December 5, 2026, some products will be added to and others removed from the Procurement List, which means nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled will supply these items to the federal government. This update helps support these agencies while ensuring the government gets what it needs. If other federal groups want these products, they’ll need to contact the listed contracting offices directly.
Next: 2026-22570, 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Public Housing Agency Board Resolution Approving the Operating Budget
HUD wants to keep collecting info from public housing agencies about their board-approved budgets to make sure money is spent right. They’re asking for public feedback by January 4, 2027, before renewing this paperwork. This affects housing agencies who manage budgets and helps keep public housing running smoothly without extra costs.