Feds Ban Rougheye Rockfish Catch in Alaska's Wild Aleutian Districts
Published Date: 9/11/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS is prohibiting retention of blackspotted and rougheye rockfish in the Central Aleutian and Western Aleutian districts (CAI/ WAI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary because the 2026 blackspotted and rougheye rockfish total allowable catch (TAC) in the CAI/WAI of the BSAI will soon be or has been reached.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Rockfish Retention Ban in Aleutians
You cannot retain (keep) blackspotted and rougheye rockfish in the Central Aleutian and Western Aleutian districts of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands from 1200 Alaska local time on September 9, 2026 through 2400 Alaska local time on December 31, 2026. This action is because the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for blackspotted and rougheye rockfish in the CAI/WAI is 325 metric tons and that TAC will soon be or has been reached.
Prohibited-Species Handling Requirement
While the retention prohibition is in effect, blackspotted and rougheye rockfish in the CAI/WAI must be treated as prohibited species under Sec. 679.21(a), and the requirements at Sec. 679.20(j)(4) apply from 1200 Alaska local time on September 9, 2026 through 2400 Alaska local time on December 31, 2026. This means caught fish must be handled and discarded according to those rules rather than landed for sale.
Gear-Based Retention Exception
Catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear in the CAI/WAI are excepted from the retention prohibition for blackspotted and rougheye rockfish during the same period (1200 Alaska local time on September 9, 2026 through 2400 Alaska local time on December 31, 2026). If you operate such a vessel, you may continue retention under the exception described in Sec. 679.20(j).
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