New Bering Sea Groundfish Catch Limits Roll Out for Alaska Fishers
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 18, 2025, new fishing limits for groundfish in Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands will guide the 2025 and 2026 seasons. These rules help protect fish populations while supporting fishermen and the fishing industry. If you fish or rely on these waters, expect updated catch limits and some closures to keep the ecosystem healthy and the fishery thriving.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 4 mixed.
BSAI total catch capped at 2.0M mt
NMFS set the total allowable catch (TAC) for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fishery at 2,000,000 metric tons for 2025 and 2,000,000 metric tons for 2026. These harvest specifications are effective starting 1200 hrs A.l.t. on March 18, 2025 through 1200 hrs A.l.t. on March 18, 2026, and the 2025 TACs supersede earlier 2025 specifications.
BS pollock TAC increased by 50,000 mt
The final 2025 and 2026 Bering Sea (BS) pollock TAC was set at 1,375,000 mt, an increase of 50,000 metric tons from the proposed TAC for each year. This change was adopted by the Council and approved by NMFS in the December 2024 recommendations and final rule.
Yellowfin sole TAC reduced substantially
The yellowfin sole TAC for 2025 was reduced by 60,000 mt from the proposed amount (final 2025 TAC = 135,000 mt) and reduced by 50,000 mt for 2026 (final 2026 TAC = 145,000 mt). NMFS and the Council made these reductions citing weakening market demand.
CDQ reserves and pollock CDQ tonnage set
NMFS allocated reserves to Community Development Quota (CDQ) participants: for Amendment 80 species 10.7% of TAC is reserved for CDQ, and 10% of the BS pollock TAC (137,500 mt in 2025) and AI pollock TAC (1,900 mt in 2025) are allocated to CDQ directed fishing allowances. These CDQ reservations and specified tonnages are reflected in the final 2025 and 2026 tables.
Pollock sector and seasonal apportionments fixed
For BS pollock (after subtracting the 10% CDQ DFA and a 46,000 mt ICA), the directed fishery allocation (DFA) is apportioned 50% to inshore, 40% to catcher/processors (CP), and 10% to motherships. The BS DFA is split 45% to the A season (Jan 20–Jun 10) and 55% to the B season (Jun 10–Nov 1). For the AI pollock TAC (after 10% CDQ and a 3,000 mt ICA), the remaining TAC is allocated to the Aleut Corporation, with an A-season cap of no more than 40% of the AI pollock ABC.
BS Pacific cod TAC changes in 2025–2026
The Bering Sea Pacific cod TAC was increased by 2,384.79 mt for 2025 (final 2025 BS TAC = 133,602 mt) and decreased by 8,139.60 mt for 2026 (final 2026 BS TAC = 123,077 mt) compared to the proposed TACs. The AI Pacific cod TAC was adjusted as well (2025 AI TAC = 8,694 mt; 2026 AI TAC = 8,432 mt).
State guideline harvest levels accounted for in TACs
NMFS approved that Federal 2025 and 2026 sablefish and Pacific cod TACs account for the State of Alaska's guideline harvest levels (GHLs). Example GHLs: AI sablefish GHL = 5% (1,238 mt) of combined 2025 BS+AI ABC; BS Pacific cod GHL (pot gear) = 13% (19,970 mt) of 2025 BS ABC and projected 13% (18,398 mt) for 2026; AI Pacific cod GHL = 35% (4,682 mt) of the AI ABC for 2025 and projected 35% (4,541 mt) for 2026.
Incidental catch allowances (ICAs) set for several species
NMFS established incidental catch allowances (ICAs) for non-directed fisheries: flathead sole 2,000 mt, rock sole 3,000 mt, yellowfin sole 2,000 mt, Atka mackerel (800 mt for EAI and BS, 100 mt CAI, 20 mt WAI), and Pacific ocean perch 10 mt (WAI), 60 mt (CAI), and 100 mt (EAI). These ICAs are set after CDQ reserves and are based on recent incidental catch patterns.
Seasonal and area pollock harvest caps in SCA and Areas 541–543
Pollock harvest in the Steller Sea Lion Conservation Area (SCA) is limited to no more than 28% of the annual pollock DFA before 12 p.m. A.l.t. on April 1. For the AI A season, Area 541 harvest is capped at no more than 30% of the AI pollock ABC, Area 542 at no more than 15%, and Area 543 at no more than 5% of the AI pollock ABC.
Amendment 125 proposed to change Pacific cod small-boat access
NMFS is developing a proposed rule to implement Amendment 125 to the FMP that, if approved, would revise the BSAI Pacific cod A-season jig sector to include hook-and-line or pot catcher vessels (CV) <= 55 ft length overall (LOA). Harvest from the revised jig sector would be deducted from the jig sector's 1.4% allocation; changes would be incorporated in a future harvest specifications action and are anticipated for the 2026 and 2027 specifications if approved.
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