Gulf of Alaska Cod Ban: Fishermen Told to Hook Something Else
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting now, certain fishing boats in the Western Gulf of Alaska can’t target Pacific cod because they’ve hit their 2025 limit. This rule mainly affects non-exempt American Fisheries Act catcher vessels and helps keep fish populations healthy. It’s a smart move to make sure we don’t overfish and keep the ocean’s balance for the future.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pacific Cod Ban in Western GOA
If you operate a non-exempt American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher vessel in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod because the annual 2025 Pacific cod sideboard limit for non-exempt AFA catcher vessels in that area has been reached. This prohibition is effective starting now for the 2025 sideboard limit.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Starting now, fishing for Pacific cod by AFA trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands is off-limits to keep the 2025 catch limits in check. This means those fishing boats have to stop targeting Pacific cod to avoid going over their allowed quota. It’s all about protecting fish stocks and making sure the rules keep the ocean healthy and fair for everyone.
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