Alaska Pot Gear Vessels Closed for Pacific Cod Fishing
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 10, 2025, boats using pot gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve almost caught their full allowed amount for the season. This temporary closure lasts until June 10, 2025, helping protect the fish and keep the fishing fair for everyone. Fishermen need to follow this rule to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed Pacific Cod Fishing Closed
Starting at 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 10, 2025, boats using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod until 1200 hours Alaska local time on June 10, 2025. This closure was put in place because the A season allowance for these vessels will soon be reached.
A-Season Allowance Set at 2,660 mt
The A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska is 2,660 metric tons. NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 2,660 mt and set aside the remaining 0 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Retainable Amounts Apply On Trips
While the closure is in effect (March 10, 2025 at 1200 hours A.l.t. through June 10, 2025 at 1200 hours A.l.t.), the maximum retainable amounts in Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels cannot retain more Pacific cod than those regulatory limits allow during this period.
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Key Dates
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