Small Boats Hooked: Pacific Cod Fishing Halted in Alaska Gulf
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 15, 2026, small fishing boats under 50 feet using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until June 10, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair for everyone. If you’re a small boat fisher in this area, it’s time to pause and plan ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary Pacific Cod Closure
If you operate a catcher vessel less than 50 feet using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you must stop directed fishing for Pacific cod from 1200 A.l.t. on February 15, 2026 until 1200 A.l.t. on June 10, 2026 because the A season allowance has been reached. This closure was issued to prevent exceeding the 2026 A season allowance of Pacific cod allocated to this sector.
Directed Allowance and Incidental Set-Aside
The A season allowance for this sector was 1,927 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 1,847 mt and set aside 80 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries for 2026.
Retainable Amounts Apply During Trips
While the closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. This limits how much of other groundfish you may legally keep while on a fishing trip during the Pacific cod closure.
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