NOAA Closes Pacific Cod Fishery in Bering Sea for 2026
Published Date: 7/21/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 20, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod by certain trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands is temporarily banned to avoid going over their 2026 catch limit. This affects American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processors and lasts until the end of the year. The move helps keep fish stocks healthy and fair for all fishermen without changing money rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Temporary Pacific Cod Fishing Closure
If you are an American Fisheries Act (AFA) trawl catcher/processor, directed fishing for Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) is prohibited from 1200 hours A.l.t. on July 20, 2026 through 1200 hours A.l.t. on December 31, 2026. This rule stops your sector from targeting Pacific cod to avoid exceeding the 2026 allocation.
2026 Pacific Cod Allocation Split
The 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI is 2,712 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 2,112 mt for that sector and set aside 600 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Retained Bycatch Limits During Closure
While the closure is in effect, AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI must follow the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) at any time during a trip. That means vessels cannot retain more Pacific cod than those regulatory maximums when directed fishing is prohibited.
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