Alaska Bans Atka Mackerel Fishing to Protect 2025 Quota
Published Date: 11/3/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting October 31, 2025, fishing boats using trawl gear in the Central Aleutian area must stop catching Atka mackerel because they’ve hit their 2025 limit. This temporary closure helps protect the fish population and keeps the fishing fair for everyone. The rule lasts until December 31, 2025, and affects all vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands trawl limited access fishery.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed fishing for Atka mackerel closed
If you operate a vessel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) trawl limited access sector, you must stop directed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian district starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on October 31, 2025, through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2025. The closure was issued because the sector’s directed fishing allowance of 2,173 metric tons for 2025 has been or will be reached.
Maximum retainable amounts apply during closure
While the Atka mackerel directed fishing closure is in effect (1200 hours A.l.t. October 31, 2025 through 2400 hours A.l.t. December 31, 2025), vessels in the BSAI trawl limited access sector may only retain Atka mackerel up to the maximum retainable amounts specified at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) at any time during a trip. This limits how much Atka mackerel you can keep as incidental catch during the closure period.
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