NOAA Corrects Pacific Cod Catch Limits After Math Mistake
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the government is tweaking the amount of Pacific cod that fishermen can catch in the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea. This change fixes a previous mistake and helps make sure the fish catch limits are fair and accurate. Fishermen and seafood businesses should note these updates, which last until March 18, 2026, and can impact their fishing plans and profits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod TAC Increased
If you fish Pacific cod in the Aleutian Islands, the total allowable catch (TAC) for 2026 is changed from 8,432 metric tons to 8,951 metric tons effective January 1, 2026 through March 18, 2026. NMFS says this corrects an incorrect specification and is intended to prevent underharvest that would otherwise affect fishing plans and profits.
2026 BSAI Sector Allocations Updated
NMFS revised 2026 sector allocations and seasonal apportionments for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod effective January 1, 2026 through March 18, 2026. The rule publishes revised table values including Total Bering Sea TAC 123,077 mt, Bering Sea CDQ 13,169 mt, Total Aleutian Islands TAC 8,951 mt, and Total BSAI non-CDQ TAC 117,901 mt, with seasonal A- and B-season dates (for example A-season Jan 1–Jun 10 and B-season June 10–Dec 31 for several sectors).
CDQ and PCTC Directed Fishing Allowances Revised
NMFS revised Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program directed fishing allowances (DFAs) and Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative (PCTC) Program DFAs for 2026 to be consistent with the TAC adjustment, effective January 1, 2026 through March 18, 2026. For example, table entries include Aleutian Islands CDQ of 958 mt and Bering Sea CDQ of 13,169 mt in the revised tables.
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