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
Published Date: 2/5/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pot-gear Big-Vessel Pacific Cod Ban
If you operate a catcher vessel 60 feet (18.3 m) or longer using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), directed fishing for Pacific cod is prohibited from 1200 Alaska local time on February 4, 2026 through 1200 Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. The closure was issued because the A season allowance for this sector is 5,016 metric tons (mt), and the rule aims to prevent that allowance from being exceeded. While closed, maximum retainable amounts in Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply during trips.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02283 — 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
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.
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