# Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date

**Action Urgency Score:** 55/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule; delay of effective date. |
| Published | 2026-07-15 |
| Effective | 2026-07-21 |
| Significant | Yes (EO 12866) |
| CFR parts | 15 CFR 922 |
| Summary | The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary (LONMS) on June 6, 2024, and the final rule became effective on July 22, 2024. However, as discussed in the final rule, the effective date for the provision that prohibits grappling into or anchoring on shipwreck sites (grappling and anchoring provision) was stayed until July 21, 2026. This action further extends the stay of the effective date of the grappling and anchoring provision of the final rule until September 21, 2028. |
| Document number | 2026-14204 |

## Why this score
- Significant rule under EO 12866.
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/15/2026-14204/lake-ontario-national-marine-sanctuary-delay-of-effective-date). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T21:40:49.974Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.