Gulf of Alaska Pollock Season Shut Down for Quota Protection
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 17, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the 2026 catch limits from being exceeded. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026. The rule helps protect fish stocks and supports other fisheries by setting aside a small catch amount for incidental use.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Pollock Directed-Fishing Closure (Area 610)
If you fish for pollock in Statistical Area 610 of the Gulf of Alaska, you must stop directed fishing from 1200 hrs Alaska local time on April 17, 2026 until 1200 hrs Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. The 2026 A season total allowable catch (TAC) for Area 610 is 4,109 metric tons, and NMFS set a directed fishing allowance of 3,959 metric tons to prevent that TAC from being exceeded.
150 mt Set Aside for Incidental Catch
NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 3,959 metric tons for pollock in Area 610 and set aside the remaining 150 metric tons of the 4,109 mt A season TAC as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. That 150 mt is reserved for incidental use by other fisheries during the 2026 A season.
Trip Retention Limits Apply During Closure
While the closure is in effect (April 17, 2026 through September 1, 2026), the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only retain pollock up to those regulatory incidental-retention limits while conducting other groundfish fishing in Area 610.
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