NOAA Proposes 2026 Salmon Limits for Cook Inlet
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing new salmon fishing limits for Cook Inlet in 2026 to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. This affects fishermen and communities relying on these waters, with a chance to share your thoughts by April 30, 2026. The goal? Smart rules that protect salmon while supporting local fishing jobs and traditions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Numeric 2026 Catch Limits Proposed
NMFS proposes numeric 2026 catch limits (OFL, ABC, and TAC) for Cook Inlet salmon stocks. Examples in Table 1 include a combined sockeye TAC of 1,487,153 fish, aggregate pink TAC of 124,721 fish, aggregate chum TAC of 68,645 fish, aggregate Chinook TAC of 240 fish, and aggregate coho TAC of 16,619 fish. These proposed limits are subject to public comment by April 30, 2026 and may change before final publication.
Stricter Buffer and Smaller Coho TAC
For aggregate coho salmon, the Council recommended a larger management buffer because spawning escapement targets were not achieved, and NMFS agreed. The proposed 2026 numbers for aggregate coho are OFL 67,013 fish, ABC 26,805 fish, and TAC 16,619 fish, reflecting a precautionary reduction in harvest opportunity.
Inseason Closures If TAC Reached
NMFS will prohibit salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area if it determines any species' TAC has been or may be reached, and may open or close seasons or adjust TACs in-season to prevent overfishing. TAC buffers were calculated using maximum daily harvest after July 15 in 2024 and 2025 and doubled to account for two additional fishing openers.
Small-Entity Counts and Economic Finding
NMFS estimates up to 544 S03H commercial drift gillnet permits in circulation (an average of 292 active permit holders) and identifies an annual average of 92 charter guides who fished Cook Inlet from 2019–2023; all counted entities are considered small businesses under the thresholds. NMFS states the action is economically beneficial because proposed TACs for each salmon stock except aggregate coho are higher than the recent 10-year average harvest, potentially allowing additional harvest opportunity.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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