Extra Halibut Fishing Days Opened for West Coast Boats

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.

2026-06461 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-Committee is meeting April 20-21, 2026, to review and improve rules about fishing permits and trip efficiency for commercial fishers. This affects fishermen who catch snapper and grouper, aiming to make fishing fairer and more efficient without extra costs. The meeting is open to the public both in person and online, with chances to share your thoughts.

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.

2026-06484 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California

The Port of San Francisco wants permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing, which might accidentally disturb marine mammals in San Francisco Bay. The government is asking for public comments before deciding to allow this, with a chance to renew the permit for one more year if needed. Comments are due by May 4, 2026, so speak up if you care about the sea life or the project’s progress!

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: 2025-13760 — Safety Zones; Annual Events in the Captain of the Port Eastern Great Lakes Zone

The Coast Guard is setting up safety zones for annual water events in August and September 2025 to keep everyone safe on the water. Boats and people can’t enter these zones without special permission during these times. This helps protect lives and property, so plan ahead if you’re boating in the Eastern Great Lakes area!

Next: 2025-13766 — Accident/Incident Investigation Policy for Gathering Information and Consulting With Stakeholders

The FRA is pulling back its new rule about how it investigates train accidents and talks with people involved. This change affects railroad companies and anyone interested in safety, pausing new procedures that were set to start soon. No new costs or deadlines will happen while they rethink the plan.