Alaska Cod Trawlers Told: Stop Fishing Until September
Published Date: 4/8/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 7, 2026, catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska must stop fishing for Pacific cod because they’ve hit their allowed catch limit for the season. This temporary closure lasts until September 1, 2026, helping protect fish stocks and keep the fishing fair for everyone. Fishermen will still catch some cod incidentally, but no directed fishing is allowed during this time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed Fishing Closed Apr–Sep 2026
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 7, 2026, through 1200 hours A.l.t. on September 1, 2026, NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska because the A season allowance of 5,233 metric tons was reached. During this period you may not target Pacific cod with trawl gear; only incidental catch is allowed.
Directed Allowance and 750 mt Incidental Set-Aside
NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 4,483 metric tons of Pacific cod for catcher vessels using trawl gear and set aside the remaining 750 metric tons of the A season TAC (total A season TAC = 5,233 mt) as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. That 750 mt is reserved to allow incidental cod retention by other groundfish sectors.
Incidental Retention Limits Apply During Trips
While the closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts specified at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only retain Pacific cod up to those incidental limits during trips while directed fishing is prohibited.
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