ESA Cooperation Rules Get a Procedural Polish

2025-20549 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to update the rules for how animals and plants get listed as endangered or threatened and how their important habitats are protected. These changes will make the process clearer and easier to understand for everyone involved. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until December 22, 2025, to share them—so don’t miss out!

2025-06746 — Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are scrapping the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it doesn’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and their habitats, making rules clearer and more straightforward. No new costs or deadlines are expected, but this update helps everyone understand the law better.

2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.

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.

2026-06426 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Fishing boats with federal permits want special permission to catch more skate wings than current rules allow. This change, requested by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, aims to help fishermen use more of their catch and reduce waste. People have until April 17, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.

Previous: 2025-20550 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to update how they decide which areas get labeled as critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. They’re making the rules clearer about when it’s okay to leave some places out, especially if it helps the economy or national security. You’ve got until December 22, 2025, to share your thoughts before these changes take effect.

Next: 2025-20552 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened animals and plants. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all rule, they’ll create special rules for each species to give better, clearer protection. People can share their thoughts on these changes until December 22, 2025, and protections stay in place during the switch.