Mining the Ocean Abyss? NOAA Reviews Deep Seabed Exploration Applications

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.

2026-06484 — 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.

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.

2026-06566 — 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.

2026-06461 — 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.

Previous: 2026-05595 — Single Family Housing Section 502 Home Loan Program-Self-Help and Affordable Housing

Starting March 23, 2026, the USDA’s Rural Housing Service is testing a new pilot program that lets self-help home builders and affordable housing projects exceed current loan limits. This means folks building modest homes in rural areas could get more financial help than before. The pilot runs for two years, giving the agency a chance to see how these changes impact rural homeownership and affordability.

Next: 2026-05600 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request and Comment Request

The Social Security Administration wants your feedback on some updated forms they use to collect info, especially about fixing earnings records. If you or someone you know deals with Social Security earnings, this affects you! Comments are open until May 22, 2026, so jump in now to help make the process easier and clearer—no extra costs involved.