Alaska Perch Fishing Halted as 2025 Quota Nears Limit
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting December 3, 2025, fishing for Pacific Ocean perch in the Bering Sea area is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits for 2025. This affects fishermen targeting this species, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure lasts until the end of December and ensures the total catch doesn’t go over 10,121 metric tons.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure for Pacific Ocean perch
You cannot direct fish for Pacific Ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area from 1200 A.l.t. on December 3, 2025 through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2025. The closure is to prevent the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for that subarea from being exceeded; the 2025 TAC is 10,121 metric tons.
Catch allowance and incidental set-aside
NMFS set a directed fishing allowance of 10,111 metric tons for Pacific Ocean perch in the Bering Sea subarea and set aside the remaining 10 metric tons of the 10,121 mt TAC as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. This allocation is intended to prevent exceeding the TAC while allowing limited incidental take.
Retainable limits apply during closure
While the closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. This changes what you may retain on a fishing trip when directed fishing for Pacific Ocean perch is prohibited.
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Starting December 4, 2025, NMFS is shifting 137 metric tons of unused halibut catch limits from the Pacific cod Trawl Cooperative Program to the trawl catcher vessel C season in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This change helps fishermen in the C season catch more without exceeding limits, running through the end of 2025. It’s a smart move to make sure no catch limits go to waste and supports sustainable fishing.
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Starting December 4, 2025, some Pacific cod that big fishing boats using pots can’t catch will be given to catcher/processor boats using pots in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This switch helps make sure the total allowed catch for 2025 is fully used, benefiting fishermen and the seafood market. The change lasts until the end of 2025 and moves 200 metric tons of fish between groups.