Commerce Dept. Clarifies Criminal Referral Guidelines

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.

2026-06514 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska

Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.

2026-06458 — Endangered Species Committee

The Endangered Species Committee just gave a big thumbs-up to let Gulf of America oil and gas activities skip some usual wildlife protection rules because of national security needs. This affects companies drilling and exploring offshore, speeding up their work but with careful oversight. The decision was made in March 2026 and could impact how energy projects move forward along the Gulf Coast, balancing nature and national safety.

2026-06566 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

The government is shifting some pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea because the Aleutian Islands won’t use all their share this year. This change helps fishermen in the Bering Sea catch more pollock without going over limits. It starts April 3, 2026, and runs through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair.

2026-06460 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Public Meeting

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a meeting April 21-23, 2026, to talk about important changes to fishing rules for snapper, grouper, and other fish. Fishermen, businesses, and ocean lovers in the South Atlantic region will hear updates, suggest new rules, and review how fish stocks like black grouper and black sea bass are doing. This meeting could lead to new fishing seasons, permit changes, and better fish management that might affect fishing costs and opportunities.

Previous: 2025-11858 — Request for Comments: Division of Cancer Prevention Intellectual Property Option to Collaborators

The National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention wants your thoughts on a new rule about who owns inventions made during certain cancer studies. This rule would affect groups working with NCI-funded projects that use special tech or drugs from NCI collaborators. If approved, it could change how intellectual property is shared in current and future studies, so get ready to weigh in soon!

Next: 2025-11861 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

The FCC is checking in with the public and agencies to make sure its paperwork isn’t too much of a hassle. They want to know if the info they collect is really needed, clear, and easy to handle—especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is a chance to help shape how the FCC collects info and possibly lighten the load, so don’t miss your chance to comment soon!