Alaska Cod Trawlers Told: Stop Fishing in Western Gulf Zone
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting now, boats using trawl gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska can’t fish specifically for Pacific cod to keep the 2025 catch limits safe. This affects catcher vessels and helps protect fish stocks so everyone can enjoy fishing for years to come. The rule kicks in immediately and keeps the fishing fair and balanced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Trawl Catcher Vessels: Pacific Cod Ban
Starting immediately, catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod. This rule was put in place to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific cod in that area.
Conservation: Protecting 2025 Pacific Cod TAC
The prohibition helps protect Pacific cod stocks by preventing the A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) from being exceeded in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The stated goal is to protect the fishery so everyone can continue to fish there in future years.
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Key Dates
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