Gulf of Alaska Cod Fishery Shut Down Until September
Published Date: 5/20/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 18, 2026, catcher/processors using hook-and-line 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. Fishermen affected should plan accordingly to avoid penalties and support sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Closure for HAL Catcher/Processors
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on May 18, 2026, NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure lasts through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026, during which directed fishing for Pacific cod by this sector is not allowed.
A-season TAC, Directed Allowance, Incidental Set-Aside
The A-season allowance of the 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher/processors using HAL gear in the Central GOA is 850 metric tons (mt). The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 840 mt and set aside the remaining 10 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries; the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply during trips.
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Key Dates
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