SF Ferry Build-Out May Ruffle Bay's Seals and Whales
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Ferry Landing Adds 6,000 Daily Capacity
The Mission Bay Ferry Landing will be a single-float, two-berth ferry landing with estimated capacity to handle up to 6,000 passengers per day. It is described as providing regional ferry service to Mission Bay and nearby neighborhoods and as helping to alleviate transportation overcrowding and provide resiliency in the event of an earthquake, Bay Bridge failure, or other unplanned events.
IHA Allows Limited Marine Mammal Harassment
NOAA/NMFS is proposing to issue an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Port of San Francisco to allow Level B harassment (no injury or mortality authorized) of eight marine mammal species during vibratory pile driving, pile extraction, and down-the-hole (DTH) driving. The requested IHA would cover June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, with in-water construction planned over a 46-day window from June 1 to November 30, 2026 and 32 non-consecutive days that may result in incidental harassment.
IHA One-Year Renewal and Timing Rules
NMFS is requesting comments by May 4, 2026 on issuing the IHA and on possible one-time, 1-year renewals for each IHA if all requirements are met. The proposed IHA would be valid for the statutory maximum of one year from its effective date, would become effective upon written notification from the applicant, and would not begin later than one year from issuance.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-06514 — 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.
2026-06460 — 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06483 — Determination of Regulatory Review Period for Purposes of Patent Extension; INJECTAFER
The FDA has officially set the review period for INJECTAFER, a drug patent up for extension. This means the company can apply to extend their patent protection, potentially keeping their exclusive rights longer and impacting competition and pricing. If anyone thinks the dates are wrong or the company wasn’t diligent, they can speak up by June 2 or September 30, 2026.
Next: 2026-06485 — National Institute on Drug Abuse; Notice of Closed Meeting
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is holding a closed virtual meeting on May 12, 2026, to review and evaluate the skills and performance of its researchers. This meeting affects NIDA staff and helps ensure top-quality drug abuse research continues. No public access or funding changes are involved, but it’s a key step in keeping science sharp and effective.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in