Blackspotted Rockfish Banned in Alaska's Aleutian Waters
Published Date: 9/15/2025
Rule
Summary
Fishermen in the Central and Western Aleutian Islands can’t keep blackspotted and rougheye rockfish anymore because the 2025 catch limit has been hit or is about to be. This rule helps protect fish populations and keeps the fishing fair for everyone. If you fish in these areas, you’ll need to follow this new rule right away to avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Rockfish Retention Prohibited in Aleutians
If you fish in the Central Aleutian Island (CAI) or Western Aleutian Island (WAI) districts of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), you may not keep (retain) blackspotted rockfish or rougheye rockfish because the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for these species in CAI/WAI has been or will soon be reached. If you fish in these areas, you must follow the prohibition right away to avoid penalties.
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Key Dates
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