Hook-and-Line Boats Halted on Pacific Cod Catch
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 16, 2026, big fishing boats (50 feet or longer) using hook-and-line gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve caught their allowed limit for the season. This temporary closure helps protect the fish and keeps the catch within safe limits until September 1, 2026. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and adjust their fishing plans.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Closure: No Pacific Cod Fishing for Large HAL Vessels
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 16, 2026, catcher vessels 50 feet (15.2 m) or longer using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. If you operate one of these vessels, you must stop directed Pacific cod fishing during that period to avoid penalties and adjust your fishing plans.
TAC Allocation and Incidental Catch Set Aside
The A season 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to these catcher vessels in the Central GOA is 1,160 metric tons. The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 1,060 mt and set aside the remaining 100 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. While the closure is in effect, maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply during any trip.
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.
2026-20652, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; General Category October Through November Quota Transfer and Adjustment
NOAA is shifting some bluefin tuna fishing quota to help commercial fishermen catch more fish from October to November 2026. They moved 70.2 metric tons from a reserve and added leftover quota from earlier months, boosting the total catch allowed to 192.9 metric tons. This change helps commercial and charter boats with the right permits fish more bluefin tuna during this period.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05264, Special Conditions: Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) Model MU-300-10, 400, 400A Airplanes; Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery System Installations
Textron’s MU-300-10, 400, and 400A airplanes are getting a safety upgrade with new rules for their rechargeable lithium battery systems powering emergency lights. These special conditions make sure the batteries meet tough safety standards that current rules don’t cover. The changes take effect March 18, 2026, and Textron plus anyone interested can send feedback by May 4, 2026.
Next: 2026-05281, Special Conditions: ZeroAvia, Inc. Model ZA601 Electric Engines
The FAA has set new safety rules for ZeroAvia’s Model ZA601 electric engines, which use a unique electric system to power airplane propellers. These special conditions make sure the engines meet high safety standards since current rules don’t cover this new tech. The rules take effect March 18, 2026, and affect airplanes certified under certain categories, helping ZeroAvia move forward with their innovative electric engines.