Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Published Date: 2/5/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 3, 2026, small fishing boats under 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands can’t fish for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their catch limit for the year. This temporary closure helps keep the fish population healthy and makes sure everyone sticks to their fishing quotas. It lasts until the end of 2026 and affects those small vessel fishers directly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Small Vessels Closed to Pacific Cod
If you own or operate a catcher vessel less than 60 feet using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, you cannot directed-fish for Pacific cod from 1200 A.l.t. on February 3, 2026 through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2026. NMFS closed the sector because the 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to these vessels (3,272 metric tons) will be or has been reached.
Bycatch Retention Limits Still Apply
While the directed-fishing closure is in effect, vessels may not target Pacific cod but may retain Pacific cod only up to the maximum retainable amounts specified at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) at any time during a trip. This means you can keep limited amounts of Pacific cod as bycatch but cannot conduct directed Pacific cod fishing during the closure period.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02276 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Starting February 3, 2026, catcher vessels using trawl gear can fish for Pacific cod again in the Central Gulf of Alaska to make sure they catch their full share for the season. This temporary change helps avoid wasting fishing opportunities and runs through June 10, 2026. Fishermen should act fast and can share their thoughts by February 19, 2026.
Next: 2026-02284 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area
Starting February 4, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear is temporarily banned for catcher vessels 60 feet or longer in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This stop helps keep the 2026 catch limits from being broken, protecting fish stocks and the fishing industry. The closure lasts until September 1, 2026, so big boats need to plan their fishing carefully to avoid penalties.