Pacific Cod Fishing Reopens for Pot Gear in Alaska Gulf
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, fishing boats using pot gear can catch Pacific cod again in the Central Gulf of Alaska to make sure they don’t miss out on their fishing quota. This temporary change stays until June 10, 2026, helping fishermen use their full share of the allowed catch. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by March 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Reopening Pacific Cod Pot Fishery
If you operate a fishing vessel using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you may fish for Pacific cod again from 1200 A.l.t. February 17, 2026 through 1200 A.l.t. June 10, 2026. The A season allowance allocated to pot gear is 3,688 metric tons, and NMFS reported about 1,239 metric tons remained available as of February 13, 2026, so this reopening is to allow harvest of that remaining catch.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-18623, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Bluefish Fishery; Quota Transfer From New Jersey to North Carolina
NMFS announces that the State of New Jersey is transferring a portion of their 2026 commercial bluefish quota to the State of North Carolina. This quota adjustment is necessary to comply with the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) quota transfer provisions. This announcement informs the public of the revised 2026 commercial bluefish quotas for New Jersey and North Carolina.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03183, Safety Zone; Fireworks Displays Within the USCG East District (Formerly Fifth Coast Guard District); The Wharf, Washington, DC
On February 22, 2026, from 6:30 to 6:40 p.m., the Coast Guard will block off part of the Washington Channel near The Wharf, DC, to keep everyone safe during a fireworks show. Boats can’t enter or pass through this area unless they get special permission. This short safety zone helps make sure the fireworks event goes off without a hitch and keeps water traffic safe.
Next: 2026-03242, Hiring Authority for Post-Secondary Students
Starting March 23, 2026, federal agencies can more easily hire certain post-secondary students for competitive jobs thanks to a new rule from the Office of Personnel Management. This change makes it simpler and more flexible to bring in qualified students at specific job levels, helping agencies tap fresh talent faster. If you’re a student or work with student hiring, get ready for smoother, quicker hiring with no extra cost signals right now.