Pollock Fishing Halted in Alaska Gulf Area Until Fall
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed fishing closed Apr–Sep 2026
Starting at 1200 Alaska local time on April 1, 2026, directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is closed through 1200 Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. Fishermen who target pollock in that area must stop directed fishing during this period to prevent exceeding the 2026 A season allowance.
Directed allowance set; 200 mt incidental
The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 46,310 metric tons (mt) for pollock in Statistical Area 620 for the 2026 A season and set aside the remaining 200 mt (of the 46,510 mt A season allowance) as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. This limits how much pollock can be taken as directed catch and reserves a small amount for incidental bycatch.
Retain only incidental amounts during closure
While the directed-fishing closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts in 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only keep the limited incidental amounts of pollock allowed under those maximum retainable amounts rules during the closure.
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