No More Cod for 50-Foot Hook Boats in Alaska Gulf
Published Date: 9/1/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Directed Fishing Closed for Large HAL Vessels
NMFS prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall or greater using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, effective 1200 hours A.l.t. on September 1, 2026 through 2400 hours A.l.t. on December 31, 2026. The closure is to prevent exceeding the 2026 sector allocation of Pacific cod.
2026 TAC, Allowance, and 200 mt Incidental Set-Aside
The 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to catcher vessels ≥50 ft using hook-and-line in the Central GOA is 1,387 metric tons (mt). The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 1,187 mt and set aside 200 mt as incidental catch to support other groundfish fisheries.
Maximum Retainable Amounts Apply During Closure
While the directed fishing closure is effective (September 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026), the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only retain Pacific cod up to those regulatory MRA limits while on trips during the closure.
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