Hook-and-Line Cod Fishing Paused in Alaska's Western Gulf
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 12, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using hook-and-line gear by catcher/processors in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to avoid going over the allowed catch limit for the season. This pause lasts until September 1, 2026, helping keep the fish population healthy and the fishing industry on track. Fishermen using this gear in this area need to plan around this break to stay within the rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary Pacific Cod Fishing Closure
Starting at 1200 hours Alaska local time on May 12, 2026, directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska is closed through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. NMFS closed the fishery to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of 711 metric tons (mt) for this sector.
Directed Allowance and Incidental Set-Aside
The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 701 metric tons (mt) of Pacific cod for catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the Western GOA and set aside the remaining 10 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. This action is to keep the sector from exceeding its 711 mt A season TAC allocation.
Maximum Retainable Amounts Apply During Closure
While the closure is in effect (May 12, 2026 1200 A.l.t. through September 1, 2026 1200 A.l.t.), the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only retain species up to those maximum amounts during trips that occur in the closure period.
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