Alaska Pollock Gets Shuffled Between Sea Zones Again
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of the Aleut Corporation pollock directed fishing allowance (DFA) from the Aleutian Islands subarea (AI) to the Bering Sea subarea (BS). This action is necessary to provide the opportunity for the harvest of the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock, consistent with the goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI).
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Aleut Corporation Loses 6,300 mt DFA
The rule removes 6,300 metric tons (mt) of the Aleut Corporation’s directed fishing allowance (DFA) for pollock in the Aleutian Islands, leaving the Aleut Corporation with 0 mt for 2026. This change is effective August 11, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
6,300 mt Reallocated to AFA Sectors
NMFS reallocates 6,300 metric tons (mt) of pollock from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea and apportions that 6,300 mt among American Fisheries Act (AFA) sectors: 50 percent to the inshore catcher vessel sector, 40 percent to the catcher/processor sector, and 10 percent to the mothership sector. This reallocation is effective August 11, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
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Key Dates
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