Aleutian Rockfish Fishing Halted—Limit Reached Early
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 21, 2026, fishermen in the Aleutian Islands must stop keeping 'other rockfish' because the yearly catch limit is reached. This temporary rule helps protect fish populations and applies until the end of 2026. It mainly affects fishing crews using certain gear, with some exceptions for hook-and-line, pot, or jig methods.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Aleutian Islands 'Other Rockfish' Closure
Starting at 1200 A.l.t. on September 21, 2026, fishermen in the Aleutian Islands subarea must stop retaining any "other rockfish" because the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of 415 metric tons has been or will soon be reached. The prohibition lasts through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2026, and requires that those fish be treated the same as prohibited species under the rule.
Gear Exception for Catcher Vessels
The rule makes an exception allowing catcher vessels that use hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear to retain "other rockfish" in the Aleutian Islands subarea while the closure is in effect, but those vessels must follow the requirements in Sec. 679.20(j)(4). This exception runs from September 21, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
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