Alaska’s Small Boats Get a New Route Into Pacific Cod Catch Limits
Published Date: 6/4/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
This amendment lets small fishing boats (55 feet or less) using hook-and-line or pot gear count their Pacific cod catch toward the jig sector’s total during the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands fishing season. It helps small boat fishers get fair access and supports sustainable fishing rules. Comments on this change are open until August 4, 2025, so fishers and the public can weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
55‑ft Small Boats Can Use Jig Allocation
If approved, catcher vessels (CV) that are less than or equal to 55 feet (16.8 meters) length overall (LOA) and that use hook-and-line or pot gear may count their Pacific cod catch toward the jig sector allocation during the jig-gear A season (January 1 through April 30). This change lets smaller boat fishers harvest the jig allocation at the start of the year and is intended to provide more stability and opportunities for smaller participants and potential new entrants.
Other Sector Allocations Remain Unchanged
The amendment would not change allocation percentages or affect any other sector allocation established under Amendment 85. That means existing sector shares remain the same even if smaller CVs are allowed to accrue catch to the jig sector during the A season.
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Key Dates
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