NOAA Closes Alaska Perch Fishery Until Year End
Published Date: 7/24/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 22, 2026, fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting this species and helps protect the fish population while allowing some bycatch for other fisheries. The closure lasts until December 31, 2026, ensuring the 2026 catch limit isn’t exceeded and supporting sustainable fishing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed Fishing Closure for Pacific Ocean Perch
Starting at 1200 hours Alaska local time on July 22, 2026, directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska is prohibited through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2026. The closure is to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of 1,993 metric tons for that district.
Directed Fishing Allowance and Incidental Set-Aside
For 2026, NMFS set the Pacific ocean perch TAC in the West Yakutat District at 1,993 metric tons, established a directed fishing allowance of 1,923 metric tons, and set aside the remaining 70 metric tons to be available as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Maximum Retainable Amounts During Closure
While the West Yakutat District closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts in 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip, limiting how much Pacific ocean perch may be kept incidentally on trips targeting other species.
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