Pots Off: Cod Fishing Halted in Alaska Gulf Until Summer
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 10, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod with pot gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen using pot gear, who must stop directed fishing until June 10, 2025, helping protect fish stocks and future catches. No money changes now, but this keeps the fishery healthy and sustainable for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Pot-gear Pacific cod closure Mar–Jun 2025
If you fish Pacific cod with pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you must stop directed fishing from 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 10, 2025 until 1200 hours Alaska local time on June 10, 2025. NMFS issued this closure to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for pot gear in that area.
A‑season TAC set at 1,165 mt; 0 mt bycatch
The A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area is 1,165 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 1,165 mt and set aside 0 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
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 if you are aboard a vessel during the closure you may only retain Pacific cod up to those maximum retainable amounts.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03979, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Starting March 10, 2025, big fishing boats (60 feet or longer) using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands must stop fishing for Pacific cod to avoid catching too much. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2025, helping protect the fish population and keep the fishing limits fair. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
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