Alaska Cod Fishing Halted Early: Quota Reached Already
Published Date: 4/8/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 7, 2026, catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair for everyone. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Directed Fishing Closure for Pacific Cod
If you operate a catcher vessel using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you must stop directed fishing for Pacific cod from 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 7, 2026 through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. NMFS took this action because the sector’s A season allowance of Pacific cod (5,233 metric tons) was reached, and the closure prevents exceeding that allowance.
Directed Allowance and Incidental Set‑Aside
For the 2026 A season in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA, NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 4,483 metric tons of Pacific cod for catcher vessels using trawl gear and set aside the remaining 750 metric tons (of the 5,233 mt A season allowance) as incidental catch to support other groundfish fisheries. While the closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
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