Fish Caps for 2026: Alaska's Groundfish Harvest Guidelines Set
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is setting new fishing limits for groundfish in Alaska’s Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for 2026 and 2027 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen and seafood businesses by updating how much fish they can catch, with changes kicking in soon and public comments open until January 5, 2026. The goal? Smart fishing that protects the ocean and supports the fishing industry for years to come.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
2026–2027 Total Catch Limits Set
The rule proposes total allowable catches (TACs) and biological limits for groundfish in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for 2026 and 2027. The sum of the proposed ABCs is 3,188,585 metric tons and the sum of the proposed TACs is 1,999,999 metric tons; these numbers set how much all fishing sectors may take in those years.
Sector Shares, CDQ Reserves, and Pollock ICAs
The proposal spells out percent reserves and sector apportionments that change who gets quota. Examples: NMFS must reserve 15% of TACs in a nonspecified reserve (with specified exceptions); 10.7% of certain TACs (Atka mackerel, AI Pacific ocean perch, yellowfin, rock, flathead sole, and Pacific cod) are allocated to CDQ reserves; 10% of BS and AI pollock TACs go to the pollock CDQ directed fishing allowance. NMFS proposes BS pollock incidental catch allowance (ICA) of 46,000 mt and AI pollock ICA of 4,500 mt, plus specific ICAs for flathead sole (2,000 mt), rock sole (3,000 mt), yellowfin sole (2,000 mt), and various Atka mackerel and Pacific ocean perch area ICAs.
Bycatch (PSC) Limits for Halibut, Crab, Herring
The proposed rule sets prohibited species catch (PSC) limits that constrain incidental catch by fishery category. Examples: total BSAI halibut PSC limits sum to 1,770 mt (315 mt CDQ, 745 mt trawl limited access, 710 mt non-trawl) and the 2026 Amendment 80 sector halibut PSC limit is 1,309 mt; the red king crab trawl PSC limit for Zone 1 is 97,000 animals; Tanner crab PSC limits are 980,000 animals (Zone 1) and 2,970,000 animals (Zone 2); the snow crab PSC limit is set at the 13 million-animal maximum of 12,850,000; and the herring PSC limit is 2,651 mt.
State Guideline Harvests Reduce Federal TACs
The State of Alaska set guideline harvest levels (GHLs) that the proposed federal TACs will account for, which reduces the federal share available to vessels. Examples: AI sablefish GHL is 5% (1,223 mt) of the combined BS+AI ABC for sablefish; BS pot-gear Pacific cod GHL remains 13% of the BS ABC (18,398 mt); an anticipated AI GHL of 31% for Pacific cod equals 4,022 mt for 2026.
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.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
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.
2026-17500, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Monkfish; Framework Adjustment 17
Through this action, NMFS is implementing specifications and management measures in Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action sets monkfish specifications for fishing year 2026, projects specifications for fishing years 2027 and 2028, streamlines the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measure (AM) trigger, and adds default specifications for the monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and achieve the goals and objectives of the FMP. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22963, Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of 4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA in Schedule I
The DEA wants to make permanent the ban on four new synthetic drugs—4F-MDMB-BUTICA, ADB-4en-PINACA, 5F-EDMB-PICA, and MMB-FUBICA—by placing them in Schedule I. This means anyone making, selling, or using these drugs will face strict legal penalties. You’ve got until January 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before the rule becomes final.
Next: 2025-23044, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Gulf of Alaska; 2026 and 2027 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish
The government is setting new fishing limits for groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska for 2026 and 2027 to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules affect fishermen and seafood businesses by controlling how much fish they can catch, with final rules expected in March 2026. If you have thoughts, you need to share them by January 5, 2026, so your voice counts!