Big Alaska Boats Stop Pacific Cod Hook-and-Line Gear
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure for large hook-and-line vessels
Starting 1200 hrs Alaska time on March 17, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod is closed for catcher vessels 50 feet (15.2 m) or longer using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure lasts through 1200 hrs Alaska time on June 10, 2025, and prevents those vessels from conducting directed fishing for Pacific cod during that period.
Directed allowance and bycatch set-aside limits
The A season allowance of the 2025 Pacific cod TAC for these vessels in the Central Regulatory Area is 837 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 637 mt and set aside the remaining 200 mt as bycatch to support other groundfish fisheries, and has determined the 637 mt directed allowance has been reached.
Maximum retainable amounts apply during closure
While the directed fishing closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts (MRAs) specified at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. This limits how much Pacific cod and other species vessels may retain as bycatch during trips in the Central Regulatory Area.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04785, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
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.
Next: 2025-04787, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Starting March 17, 2025, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear by catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands will be temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This affects fishermen using pot gear and helps keep the fish population healthy while following the rules. The closure lasts until September 1, 2025, ensuring sustainable fishing and fair use of resources.