Trawl Cod Fishing Shut in Alaska Gulf Until June
Published Date: 3/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting February 28, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod using trawl gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to catcher vessels. This stop helps keep the 2025 catch limits from being exceeded and lasts until June 10, 2025. Fishermen using trawl gear in this area need to plan for this pause to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary closure for trawl catcher vessels
Starting 1200 hours A.l.t. on February 28, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod using trawl gear is prohibited for catcher vessels in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska through 1200 hours A.l.t. on June 10, 2025. This closure is to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch.
Directed fishing allowance and bycatch set-aside
The A season allowance of 3,773 metric tons (mt) of Pacific cod for catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central GOA is allocated as a directed fishing allowance of 3,273 mt, with 500 mt set aside as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries for 2025.
Maximum retainable amounts apply during closure
While the closure is in effect (Feb 28, 2025, 1200 A.l.t. through June 10, 2025, 1200 A.l.t.), vessels are subject to the maximum retainable amounts specified at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) at any time during a trip.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03535, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by 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 Management Area
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.
Next: 2025-03544, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Southern Area Trophy Fishery for 2025
Starting February 28, 2025, the southern area trophy fishery for big Atlantic bluefin tuna will be closed for the rest of the year. This affects recreational anglers and charter boats with special permits, stopping them from catching these giant tunas to protect the population. No money changes hands directly, but fishers will need to plan around this closure to avoid penalties.