Alaska Cod Catch Tweaked: Fishers Get New Limits for 2026
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the amount of Pacific cod that fishermen can catch in the Gulf of Alaska is being adjusted to protect the fish population. This change affects all commercial cod fishers and helps keep the fishery healthy by following the latest science. The new limits will stay in place until March 17, 2026, unless updated, and public comments are welcome until January 7.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
GOA Pacific Cod TAC Reduced for 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) is adjusted from 22,235 metric tons (mt) to 21,826 mt. This inseason decrease is effective through March 17, 2026, and applies to commercial Pacific cod fishing in the GOA.
Updated Seasonal Apportionments and Sector Shares
The rule revises 2026 seasonal apportionments and sector allocations for GOA Pacific cod. For example, Western GOA total is 5,318 mt (A season 3,390 mt; B season 1,928 mt), Central GOA total is 14,447 mt (A season 9,246 mt; B season 5,201 mt), and Eastern GOA total is 2,061 mt (inshore 1,855 mt; offshore 206 mt). Specific annual and seasonal mt amounts for jig, hook-and-line, trawl, and pot sectors are listed in the revised tables.
Western GOA State GHL Raised to 35 Percent
The Alaska Board of Fisheries increased the guideline harvest level (GHL) for the Western GOA regulatory area from 30 percent to 35 percent, while Central and Eastern GOA GHLs remain at 25 percent. Because of the Western GHL increase, the GOA-wide and Western GOA federal TACs were adjusted so total removals from State and Federal waters do not exceed the Pacific cod acceptable biological catch (ABC).
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