Feds Boost Small Boats in Epic Pacific Cod Quota Reallocation Battle
Published Date: 8/12/2025
Rule
Summary
The government is shifting some Pacific cod fishing rights from big boats using certain gear to smaller boats using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This change helps make sure all the allowed fish for 2025 get caught without waste. Fishermen with smaller boats will get more chances to catch Pacific cod, keeping the fishing season fair and full.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More quota for small catcher vessels
The rule moves some Pacific cod quota in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) for 2025 to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) overall length using hook-and-line or pot gear. If you operate a small catcher vessel under 60 feet, this gives you more opportunity to catch Pacific cod in 2025 and helps ensure the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) is harvested.
Reduced projected quota for larger and certain gear vessels
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod away from vessels using jig gear, trawl catcher vessels, and catcher vessels 60 feet (18.3 m) or greater LOA using hook-and-line gear to smaller catcher vessels in the BSAI for 2025. If you operate one of those larger vessels or use jig or trawl gear, you may lose access to those projected unused amounts of Pacific cod for the 2025 season.
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