NOAA Fisheries

Rule Changes

As of October 2026: Funder and regulator of right whale protections

The $29.1 million research project into right whale habitat and lobster gear was scheduled to begin October 1, but the regulatory picture is shifting. On September 1, the House passed a bill to extend a pause on new whale rules from 2028 to 2035, and NOAA's comment period on the next round of gear rules closes October 16.

Updated Oct 8

New Capabilities

As of October 2026: Leading federal response and monitoring

An olive ridley sea turtle crawled out of the surf near Seal Beach, California, on September 16 and laid eggs in the sand. Three days later, a second turtle nested about 8 miles away near the Huntington Beach Pier. No sea turtle species had ever been documented nesting on the U.S. West Coast.

Updated Oct 5

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Defendant; authority over season length reverts to the agency

Anglers from North Carolina to Florida planned to launch boats at dawn on May 22. The night before, a federal judge in Washington told them to stand down.

Updated May 22