Alaska Gulf Cod Fishery Closes Early for Certain Vessels in 2025
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 12, 2025, certain fishing boats called non-exempt AFA catcher vessels can’t fish for Pacific cod in the Western Gulf of Alaska because they’ve almost hit their 2025 limit of 55 metric tons. This temporary fishing ban helps keep the fish population healthy and supports other fishing activities. The closure lasts until the end of 2025, so fishermen need to plan accordingly to avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Year‑long Pacific Cod Fishing Closure
Starting February 12, 2025, through December 31, 2025, non-exempt American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher vessels are prohibited from directed fishing for the Pacific cod sideboard in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The Regional Administrator set the directed fishing allowance to 0 metric tons because the 2025 sideboard limit is 55 metric tons.
55 mt Set Aside as Bycatch for Other Fisheries
The remaining 55 metric tons of the 2025 Pacific cod sideboard for non-exempt AFA catcher vessels in the Western Regulatory Area is being set aside as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. That 55 mt will not be available for directed fishing by non-exempt AFA catcher vessels.
Retainable Amounts Still Apply During Closure
While the closure for directed Pacific cod fishing is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) continue to apply during any trip. Vessels may retain Pacific cod only up to those maximum retainable amounts as bycatch during trips.
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Previous: 2025-02693, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
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