NOAA Caps Bering Sea Fish Hauls Through Year-End
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 30, 2026, NMFS is adjusting how much fish can be caught in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to keep fishing going smoothly. This affects fishermen targeting Pacific ocean perch, northern rockfish, and other flatfish by setting new catch limits until the end of the year. They’re also asking for public feedback by October 15, so everyone has a chance to weigh in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher quota for Pacific ocean perch
If you fish for Bering Sea Pacific ocean perch, NMFS increased the initial total allowable catch (ITAC) to 9,905 metric tons by apportioning 1,486 mt from the non-specified reserve. This revised limit is effective October 30, 2026 through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2026 and is intended to allow fishing operations to continue.
Higher quota for northern rockfish
If you fish for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands northern rockfish, NMFS increased the ITAC to 12,000 metric tons by apportioning 1,800 mt from the non-specified reserve. This revised limit is effective October 30, 2026 through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2026 and is intended to allow fishing operations to continue.
Higher quota for other flatfish
If you fish for BSAI “other flatfish,” NMFS increased the ITAC to 4,500 metric tons by apportioning 675 mt from the non-specified reserve. This revised limit is effective October 30, 2026 through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2026 and is intended to allow fishing operations to continue.
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