Alaska Small Boats Banned from Pacific Cod Fishing
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 17, 2025, small fishing boats under 50 feet using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod to avoid catching too much. This temporary closure lasts until June 10, 2025, helping keep the fish population healthy and the fishing fair. Fishermen affected should plan for this pause, as it helps balance the catch limits and protect future fishing opportunities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure for small hook-and-line boats
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 17, 2025, catcher vessels less than 50 feet (15.2 m) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod through 1200 hours Alaska local time on June 10, 2025. This pause is to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of Pacific cod for these vessels.
Quota split: 1,190 mt directed, 200 mt set aside
The A season allowance of Pacific cod for 2025 for these vessels in the Central GOA is 1,390 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 1,190 mt and set aside the remaining 200 mt as bycatch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Maximum retainable amounts apply during closure
While the closure is in effect (March 17, 2025 through June 10, 2025), the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip, meaning affected vessels may only keep Pacific cod up to those incidental limits.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04784, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting March 17, 2025, catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve nearly caught their full allowed amount for the season. This temporary closure lasts until June 10, 2025, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair for everyone. Fishermen need to plan ahead to avoid penalties and adjust their fishing plans during this period.
Next: 2025-04786, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting March 17, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear by catcher vessels 50 feet or longer in the Central Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed. This stop helps keep the 2025 catch limit from being exceeded, protecting fish stocks and balancing other fisheries. The closure lasts until June 10, 2025, affecting big fishing boats and their catch plans.