Alaska Cod Fishing Halted: Pots Pulled Until Fall Reopens
Published Date: 3/4/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 2, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen using pot gear who must stop targeting Pacific cod until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and future fishing opportunities. No extra money is involved, but this rule keeps the fishery sustainable and fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure for pot-gear cod fishing
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 2, 2026, vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska may not direct fish for Pacific cod until 1200 hours A.l.t. on September 1, 2026. This rule was put in place to prevent exceeding the A season allowance for 2026.
A season allowance set at 3,688 metric tons
The A season allowance of the 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Central GOA is 3,688 metric tons (mt). NMFS set the directed fishing allowance at 3,688 mt and set aside 0 mt as incidental catch for other groundfish fisheries.
Incidental retention limits still apply
While the directed fishing closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts in Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip, so vessels may retain only limited incidental amounts of Pacific cod. The rule therefore allows only those incidental holds defined by the regulation during the closure period.
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