Alaska Cod Fishing Limits Adjusted Using Latest Ocean Science Data
Published Date: 2/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The government is updating the 2026 fishing limits for Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska because the old numbers didn’t use the latest science. This change helps keep the fish population healthy and makes sure fishermen follow the right rules. The new limits start February 10, 2026, and stay in effect until mid-March, with a chance to share your thoughts by February 25.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
GOA Pacific Cod TAC raised to 30,053 mt
The total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska is changed to 30,053 metric tons for 2026. This replaces the previously specified TACs (22,235 mt set in March 2025 and 21,826 mt adjusted in December 2025) and is based on the updated stock assessment reviewed in January–February 2026.
Subarea TACs: WGOA/CGOA/EGOA updated
The 2026 Pacific cod TACs by Gulf subarea are set to 6,693 mt for the Western GOA (WGOA), 21,549 mt for the Central GOA (CGOA), and 1,811 mt for the Eastern GOA (EGOA). These subarea TACs are adjusted to account for State guideline harvest levels and the updated stock assessment.
Seasonal and gear-sector apportionments revised
Table 6 revises seasonal apportionments and sector allocations of the Pacific cod TAC for 2026 (examples: WGOA total 6,693 mt broken into gear allocations such as jig 167 mt, trawl CV 2,506 mt, pot fleets 2,480 mt; CGOA total 21,549 mt broken into gear allocations such as jig 862 mt, trawl CV 7,782 mt, pot fleets 5,752 mt). These seasonal percentages and metric-ton allocations apply for the 2026 A and B seasons as shown in the table.
Rockfish Program cooperative apportionment of 821 mt
Trawl catcher vessels (CVs) participating in Rockfish Program cooperatives receive 3.81 percent of the annual CGOA TAC, which is 821 metric tons based on the revised CGOA TAC, and that amount is deducted from the Trawl CV B season allowance.
Immediate short-term effective period
The inseason TAC adjustments take effect immediately on February 10, 2026 and remain effective through 1200 hours, A.l.t., March 17, 2026, unless modified. Written comments on this temporary rule are accepted through February 25, 2026.
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