Alaska Cod Fishing Halted for Small Boats: Quota Drama in Bering Sea
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 21, 2025, small fishing boats under 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands can’t fish for Pacific cod because they’ve almost caught their 2025 limit. This temporary closure helps keep the fish population healthy and follows strict catch rules. It lasts until the end of 2025 and affects fishermen who rely on these waters for their catch and income.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Small Boats Banned from Pacific Cod Fishery
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on January 21, 2025, catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2025. The closure was put in place because the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to this group is 2,525 metric tons and NMFS determined that allocation will soon be reached.
Bycatch Retention Limits Apply During Closure
While the closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels subject to the closure may only keep Pacific cod up to the regulatory maximum retainable amounts during trips.
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Key Dates
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