Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

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.

2026-06392 — Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Amendment 62

Amendment 62 is shaking up the Gulf of America’s red grouper fishing rules by changing catch limits and who gets what share. Plus, it’s ending the February-March fishing break for shallow-water groupers beyond the 20-fathom line, so anglers get more time to fish. If you’re a fisherman or love Gulf seafood, keep an eye out—comments close June 1, 2026, and these changes could impact your catch and the fish market soon!

2026-06394 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Homeporting in Sitka, Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard wants to change its plan for building a new fast response cutter homeport in Sitka, Alaska, which might disturb some local marine mammals. These changes affect how long the project lasts, how it’s designed, and how many animals might be impacted. The public can share their thoughts by April 17, 2026, before the final decision is made.

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.

2026-06440 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance wants special permission to fish monkfish in 2026 and 2027 beyond usual rules to help with research. This means some fishing boats can try new ways to catch monkfish without usual limits, supporting science and the fishing community. People have until April 17, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.

Previous: 2026-02275 — Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of America and Atlantic Region; 2025-2026 Commercial Closure for Spanish Mackerel in the Atlantic Southern Zone

Starting February 7, 2026, commercial fishers in the Atlantic Southern Zone (off South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida) must stop catching Spanish mackerel until February 28, 2026. This temporary closure helps protect the fish because the catch limit is about to be reached. If you sell Spanish mackerel commercially in this area, this means a short break from fishing and selling these tasty fish.

Next: 2026-02283 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Starting February 3, 2026, small fishing boats under 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands can’t fish for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their catch limit for the year. This temporary closure helps keep the fish population healthy and makes sure everyone sticks to their fishing quotas. It lasts until the end of 2026 and affects those small vessel fishers directly.