NOAA Shifts Pacific Cod Quota to Smaller Boats
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is reallocating the projected unused amounts of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear and catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using hook-and- line gear to catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook- and-line or pot gear and is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 m) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod to be harvested.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Small catcher vessels get big quota boost
If you operate a catcher vessel less than 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, your 2026 Pacific cod allocation increases by 935 metric tons — from 3,272 mt to 4,207 mt. Directed fishing for that sector is open from 1200 hrs Alaska local time on September 1, 2026, through 2400 hrs on December 31, 2026; as of August 25, 2026, about 422 mt remained available for harvest.
Jig vessels lose most of their Pacific cod quota
If you operate a jig vessel in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, your 2026 Pacific cod allocation is reduced from 721 mt to 10 mt, a decrease of 711 metric tons. This reallocation is in effect with the directed fishing period beginning 1200 hrs Alaska local time on September 1, 2026.
Large catcher vessels lose a portion of quota
If you operate a catcher vessel greater than or equal to 60 feet LOA using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, your 2026 Pacific cod allocation is reduced from 234 mt to 10 mt, a decrease of 224 metric tons. The revised harvest specifications and reopening for other sectors take effect with the directed fishing period beginning 1200 hrs Alaska local time on September 1, 2026.
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Key Dates
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