NOAA Halts Perch Fishing in Aleutians to Meet Quota Limits
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) by vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery. This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific ocean perch in the CAI allocated to vessels participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector fishery.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CAI Pacific Ocean Perch Closure
If you operate a vessel participating in the BSAI trawl limited access sector, you are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Aleutian district (CAI) from 1200 hours Alaska time on August 27, 2026 through 2400 hours Alaska time on December 31, 2026. The sector's directed fishing allowance for CAI Pacific ocean perch was set at 480 metric tons for 2026, and this closure is to prevent exceeding that allocation. While the closure is in effect, only the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) may be kept at any time during a trip.
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