Alaska Bans Big Skate Fishing After Quota Reached
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting November 21, 2025, fishermen in the Central Gulf of Alaska can no longer keep big skates because the yearly catch limit has been hit. This temporary closure lasts until the end of 2025 and helps protect skate populations while keeping fishing fair. If you fish there, you’ll need to throw big skates back to avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Central GOA Big Skate Retention Ban
Starting 1200 hours Alaska time on November 21, 2025, you may not keep (retain) big skates caught in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska because the 2025 total allowable catch of 1,749 metric tons has been reached. The temporary closure runs through 2400 hours Alaska time on December 31, 2025, and big skates must be discarded (thrown back) to avoid penalties.
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