Marine Environment

Netherlands Sets Out Wadden Sea Nature Policy Framework and 2028 Management Plan

In April 2026 the Dutch government confirmed that a Wadden Sea Nature Policy Framework and a new Natura 2000 management plan, planned to enter into force in 2028, will steer long‑term restoration of the Wadden Sea in line with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the Birds and Habitats Directives. This signals that concrete conditions and possible additional restrictions on fisheries, shipping and other activities in the Wadden Sea will crystallise through these instruments, so operators should track their development even though this letter itself does not change existing obligations.

10 Apr 2026, 13:13open.overheid.nlNetherlands

EU Commission Adopts Delegated Regulation on Fisheries Restrictions in Nordvästra Skånes Havsområde (Kattegat)

The European Commission has adopted new fisheries conservation measures for the Kattegat region, introducing year-round no-take zones and seasonal gear restrictions effective from April 2026. Operators must adapt to stricter gear requirements, including mandatory acoustic deterrents and electronic monitoring, as part of a broader EU push to align commercial fishing with biodiversity and marine protection targets.

9 Apr 2026, 17:48ec.europa.euEuropean UnionSweden

UK Government Publishes 2026 Update to Marine Strategy Part One

The UK government has updated its Marine Strategy Part One, establishing the framework and targets for achieving Good Environmental Status in UK waters through 2032. While no immediate legal mandates are introduced, the revised targets and monitoring indicators will likely drive future regulatory tightening for industries impacting marine ecosystems.

9 Apr 2026, 17:41gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Oregon Enacts Law Establishing Blue Economy Task Force

Oregon has established a Blue Economy Task Force to develop a strategic roadmap for sustainable coastal and marine economic growth by September 2027. Marine-sector operators should engage with the task force to influence upcoming policy recommendations on investment, workforce development, and regulatory coordination.

9 Apr 2026, 14:17olis.oregonlegislature.govUnited States

Mississippi DEQ Invites Project Ideas for 2026 RESTORE MIP and SEP Amendments

Mississippi has opened a call for restoration project ideas through May 15, 2026, to inform upcoming amendments to its RESTORE Act expenditure plans. Organizations seeking funding for Gulf Coast environmental or economic recovery projects should ensure submissions are updated in the state portal to align with the 2026 planning cycle.

9 Apr 2026, 09:54mdeq.ms.govUnited States

US EPA Seeks Comment on Renewal of Information Collection for No-Discharge Zones Under Clean Water Act Section 312

The US EPA is proposing to renew the information collection process for states to establish No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) for vessel sewage, with comments due by June 2026. This renewal maintains the regulatory framework for restricting vessel discharges, requiring maritime operators to monitor local zone designations and adjust wastewater management protocols.

9 Apr 2026, 09:53federalregister.govUnited States

US NOAA Seeks Comment on Management Plan Review for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA has initiated a formal review of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary management plan, seeking public input through May 2026. This process will redefine the long-term conservation and operational framework for offshore activities, potentially impacting shipping, energy development, and commercial fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

6 Apr 2026, 20:02federalregister.govUnited States

Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Amend the Act on the Protection of the Antarctic Environment

Japan has introduced a bill to expand environmental oversight and liability for Antarctic activities, implementing international standards for emergency preparedness. Operators must prepare for mandatory contingency planning, financial security requirements, and increased regulatory scrutiny of maritime activities in Antarctic waters.

6 Apr 2026, 19:54env.go.jpJapan

US Endangered Species Committee Grants ESA Section 7(h) Exemption for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities

The US Endangered Species Committee has granted an immediate ESA Section 7(h) exemption for oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America, bypassing standard "jeopardy" mandates and consultation requirements. This rare national security-based waiver streamlines project approvals and mitigates litigation risks for offshore energy operations, signaling a strategic prioritization of domestic energy production over environmental constraints.

6 Apr 2026, 19:35federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands Plans Ban on Scrubber Washwater Discharges in Inland Waters and Ports

The Netherlands is preparing a national ban on scrubber washwater discharges in ports and inland waters, alongside a €230 million decarbonization subsidy scheme for inland shipping starting in late 2026. This move signals a shift toward unilateral environmental enforcement, requiring maritime operators to accelerate fleet modernization and transition away from open-loop scrubbers to ensure future compliance.

6 Apr 2026, 18:33open.overheid.nlNetherlands

New York Senate Bill S9698 Proposes Ban on Vessel Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

New York Senate Bill S9698 proposes a comprehensive ban on the sale and operation of vessel exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) within state waters. Maritime operators and equipment manufacturers must prepare for strict discharge prohibitions and potential liability for environmental cleanup, signaling a shift toward low-sulfur fuels over abatement technology in the region.

6 Apr 2026, 16:52nysenate.govUnited States

Italy Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Adopts Decree 409/2026 Updating Ship Recycling Certificates

Italy has mandated new certificate templates for ship recycling and hazardous material inventories to align with updated EU standards, effective April 2026. Operators of Italian-flagged vessels must ensure documentation is updated to the new formats to maintain regulatory compliance and avoid delays during port state inspections.

6 Apr 2026, 16:32guardiacostiera.gov.itItaly

Lithuania Ratifies Hong Kong Convention on Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships

Lithuania has ratified the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling, with mandatory compliance for shipowners and recycling facilities starting three months after the formal deposit of ratification. Operators must ensure robust Inventories of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and align recycling operations with international standards for managing substances like asbestos and PCBs.

6 Apr 2026, 16:21e-tar.ltLithuania

Netherlands Rijkswaterstaat Issues Guidance To Prevent Water Pollution in Wadden Sea Harbours

The Dutch Rijkswaterstaat has issued guidance reinforcing the 'duty of care' under the Living Environment Activities Decree (Bal) to prevent water pollution during maintenance in Wadden Sea harbours. Operators must implement strict containment and dust-reduction measures or face enforcement actions, including work stoppages and significant financial penalties for non-compliance.

6 Apr 2026, 16:11rijkswaterstaat.nlNetherlands

Germany: Schleswig-Holstein Publishes Baltic Sea Protection 2030 Action Plan Annual Report and Advisory Board Statement

Schleswig-Holstein has accelerated its Baltic Sea Protection 2030 Action Plan, designating new marine protected areas and securing fishery exclusions beyond the 3-nautical-mile zone. Maritime operators, fisheries, and agricultural businesses face tightening spatial restrictions and voluntary nutrient reduction targets, with forthcoming federal navigation regulations expected to further impact shipping and recreational corridors.

5 Apr 2026, 19:52schleswig-holstein.deGermany

UK Government Confirms EIA-Based Marine Licensing Approach for BBNJ Activities in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

The UK government has confirmed it will implement Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements for marine activities in international waters via secondary legislation under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. Operators in sectors such as telecommunications, marine research, and spaceflight must prepare for new licensing obligations and screening processes once the BBNJ Agreement enters into force.

5 Apr 2026, 19:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Australia Passes High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026 To Enable High Seas Treaty Ratification

Australia has passed the High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026, creating the legislative framework to ratify the UN High Seas Biodiversity Treaty. Companies with high-seas operations should anticipate mandatory environmental impact assessments and stricter resource management protocols as Australia aligns with global marine protection goals.

4 Apr 2026, 11:03aph.gov.auAustralia

UK OPRED Issues Screening Direction for Rough Gas Storage Project

UK OPRED has extended gas storage consent for the Rough project until April 2027, confirming no new Environmental Impact Assessment is required for increased capacity. This decision provides operational certainty for critical energy infrastructure while reinforcing the use of existing screening frameworks to manage environmental compliance.

4 Apr 2026, 10:55assets.publishing.service.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Louisiana SB 452 Would Ban Most Coastal Use Permits on Lake Maurepas From August 2026

Louisiana Senate Bill 452 proposes to ban the issuance of most coastal use permits for construction or work on Lake Maurepas, effective August 2026. Operators in the region must evaluate planned projects against narrow exemptions for existing infrastructure and dredging to avoid significant permitting roadblocks and operational delays.

3 Apr 2026, 18:49legis.la.govUnited States

Netherlands Issues Scoping Note and Participation Plan for North Sea Programme 2028–2033

The Dutch government has launched the formal development of the North Sea Programme 2028–2033, initiating a six-week public consultation on the scoping and participation framework. This programme will establish the long-term spatial and environmental rules for the North Sea, shaping future permitting requirements and operational constraints for maritime, energy, and coastal industries.

3 Apr 2026, 18:18rijksoverheid.nlNetherlands