Alaska Pots for Cod Closed: Fishermen, Put 'Em Down!
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 7, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod with pot gear in the Central Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen using pot gear, helping protect fish stocks and making sure the 2026 catch limit isn’t exceeded. The closure lasts until December 31, 2026, so fishers need to plan accordingly to avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Pot-gear Pacific Cod Closed Oct–Dec 2026
You (a vessel operator using pot gear) are prohibited from directed fishing for Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska from 1200 hours A.l.t. on October 7, 2026, through 2400 hours A.l.t. on December 31, 2026. NMFS states this closure is to prevent exceeding the 2026 sector allocation of Pacific cod.
2026 Pot-Gear TAC and Incidental Set-Aside
The 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific cod allocated to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area is 5,752 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 5,742 mt and set aside the remaining 10 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Retention Limits While Closure Is Effective
While the closure is effective, the maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. You may only retain Pacific cod up to those maximum retainable amounts during trips while directed fishing is prohibited.
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