Feds Boost Small Boats in Epic Pacific Cod Quota Reallocation Battle
Published Date: 8/12/2025
Rule
Summary
The government is shifting some Pacific cod fishing rights from big boats using certain gear to smaller boats using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This change helps make sure all the allowed fish for 2025 get caught without waste. Fishermen with smaller boats will get more chances to catch Pacific cod, keeping the fishing season fair and full.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More quota for small catcher vessels
The rule moves some Pacific cod quota in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) for 2025 to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) overall length using hook-and-line or pot gear. If you operate a small catcher vessel under 60 feet, this gives you more opportunity to catch Pacific cod in 2025 and helps ensure the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) is harvested.
Reduced projected quota for larger and certain gear vessels
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amount of Pacific cod away from vessels using jig gear, trawl catcher vessels, and catcher vessels 60 feet (18.3 m) or greater LOA using hook-and-line gear to smaller catcher vessels in the BSAI for 2025. If you operate one of those larger vessels or use jig or trawl gear, you may lose access to those projected unused amounts of Pacific cod for the 2025 season.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-17300, Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Extension of the Commercial Shrimp Permit Moratorium in the Gulf of America
NMFS issues this proposed rule and seeks public comment on a management measure proposed in Amendment 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf (Shrimp FMP) and this proposed rule. If implemented by NMFS, Amendment 19 and this proposed rule would extend the moratorium on the issuance of new commercial shrimp permits in the Gulf of America (Gulf). NMFS implemented the existing shrimp permit moratorium, which is set to expire after October 26, 2026, to stabilize fishing effort and prevent overcapacity in the Gulf shrimp fishery. This proposed rule would extend this permit moratorium for an additional 10 years.
2026-17248, Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding public meetings from September 16-21, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, and online. These meetings affect fishermen, environmental groups, and coastal communities by discussing fishery rules, budgets, and habitat protection. You can join live, comment remotely, and stay updated on important fishery decisions that might impact fishing seasons and local economies.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15303, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the Angling Category Fishery for 2025
Starting now, recreational fishers with special permits can’t catch Atlantic bluefin tuna of any size for the rest of 2025. This means the Angling category fishery is officially closed to protect tuna populations. If you’re planning a fishing trip, you’ll need to wait until next year—no bluefin tuna bites allowed this season!
Next: 2025-15325, Rescission of Expired 1-Year Grace Period for Data Extensions
The Department of the Interior is officially ending a 1-year grace period for sharing geophysical data that expired back in 2010. This change affects companies and researchers who handle this data, making sure everyone follows the current rules without old exceptions. No new fees or deadlines, just cleaning up the rulebook to keep things clear and fair.